4 signs that your car needs to replace the timing belt
(Baonghean.vn) - The timing belt is a part of the engine that synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft to ensure that each cylinder fires at the appropriate times. The timing belt is located under the camshaft cover and is usually at the front of the engine.
Below are common signs that the timing belt on your vehicle is broken or damaged; it should be checked and replaced to avoid damage to other parts inside the engine.
1. Oil leaking from the front of the engine
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A common occurrence in engine parts is engine oil leakage outside the timing belt cover. The cover is usually held in place by a series of bolts and screws, but when the gasket between the engine and the timing belt cover is worn, cracked, or improperly installed, oil leakage from the timing belt cover will cause the engine to overheat, causing the timing belt to wear out faster.
2. The engine is noisy
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The timing belt is the part that connects the flywheel of the crankshaft and the camshaft of the engine. The crankshaft operates based on the movement of the pistons in the combustion chamber linked through the connecting rod. The camshaft is responsible for operating the valves and rocker arms to bring fuel into the combustion chamber, and at the same time bring the burnt gases to the engine exhaust.
When the timing belt starts to wear out it creates a ticking sound inside the engine; Replacing the timing belt is very important to the operation of the vehicle, if you notice this sign replace it as soon as possible.
3. Engine misfire
A worn timing belt can also affect the engine's ignition process. However, if worn, the belt can slip on the camshaft and cause a certain cylinder to open or close sooner than necessary.
This leads to a situation of misfiring, if not replaced soon, it will lead to serious damage to the engine such as engine vibration, unstable engine speed, weak engine power, poor acceleration, Check Engine light on, smell of raw gasoline from exhaust gas and spark plugs with a lot of carbon...
4. Motor does not turn over
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When the timing belt breaks internally, the engine will not be able to rotate or start. When turning the key or pressing the starter button, you can hear the engine running.
This problem is caused by a broken timing belt, which can potentially lead to other internal damage. Especially in the case of a running vehicle, some typical damage to the cylinder head is the rocker arms, valves, push rods, bearings or oil pump.
In cases like this, a professional mechanic will know how to check all of the above supporting components when the timing belt has to be replaced.