Quote:
Originally Posted by compu_85
I don't understand why you guys hate timing belts so much. They're more precise over their life cycle, not hard to replace (way easier then a chain! Ya you can just roll in a new chain.. but what about the guides and sprockets that wore because the chain stretched?), and cost less to maintain in the long run then a chain. Ya they're nice on a car you only plan to keep for 150,000 miles from new, but some of us like to keep a car longer then that  Speaking of that I think the interval on the new TDIs is something lke 140,000 miles? Crazy!
I'm sad VW is going to chains on all of their new engines. I bet a lot of the 2.5 gassers are going to be thrown away around 180k miles when the chains are due because the owner doesn't want to pay to have the transmission removed and the engine taken apart for the service!
-J |
Well if you enjoy changing timing belts for entertainment, then I think that you should just go for it. I personally like the fact that I've NEVER had to change a timing chain on an MB. The timing chains outlast the engine. If the time ever comes to roll in a new one, it will take less time to do so than to change a belt on most anything beyond a 71 Pinto.
What do you NOT like about having a cam timing system that lasts longer than the rest of the engine?
My first 240D went 280,000 miles before getting rid of it with no timing chain change or any other serious engine work for that matter.
My second 240D went 380,000 miles before engine overhaul due to wear on items OTHER THAN the timing chain.
My 300E has gone 320,000 miles and still has the original timing chain in great shape.
SO... had they been TDI's I would have enjoyed the fun of changing the timing belt about 10 times during this period and that's assuming a 90,000 mile interval. Sorry, but I have other, more enjoyable things to do with my time.
I find it UNBELIEVABLE that there is ANYONE ON EARTH that would rather have a timing belt as opposed to a double roller, tensioned, timing chain.