Everything you need to know about the timing drive

The timing mechanism is a part of an internal combustion engine that ensures that the exhaust and intake valves are opened and closed at the right time. The functions of the unit are to supply a special chamber with a combustible mixture consisting of air and fuel, as well as provision of exhaust gases. Motorists need to know what the timing drive is and what it is.

Operation Peculiarities of the Timing Drive

Such a system serves as a link between the crankshafts and camshafts, is responsible for the transmission of torque. The principle of its functioning and the necessity of its use are associated with the fact that the gears in the crankshaft are half the size of those in the camshaft. For the same period of time, the first rotates twice, and the second — once. The timing drive is designed to synchronize them. There are 3 types of assemblies installed on cars: gear, chain, belt.

The Pros of the Gear Drive Timing System

How the timing mechanism is driven depends on the engine design. In cars equipped with low-speed V-shaped engines, gear systems are still found, but nowadays they are rarely used. Previously, in the power units, the camshaft and crankshaft were next to each other, but later the first one was moved closer to the valves, so they began to install other types of timing drives. But the gear mechanism has its own pros:

• They are durable and reliable;
• The design of the drive is as simple as possible;
• Gears do not jump, unlike chain links;
• The mechanism has a high tensile strength.

How Does the Timing Chain Drive Work?

The chain drive timing system is an improved version compared to the gear drive. Such systems are designed for about 150-200 thousand kilometers of mileage. Some cars have several chains installed, it depends on the number of shafts. Besides sprockets, the design also includes dampers, which dampen the resulting vibrations, and tensioners, which are necessary for adjustment. Based on how the timing drive of this type is arranged, its pros are considered to be:

1. Durability and high mileage;
2. Reliability, provided by increased strength;
3. Resistance to intensive localized loads;
4. Protection against external factors and rapid deterioration.

• Presence of several layers, special profile of the working surface;
• Reinforcement with fiberglass, metal or textile;
• Internal teeth for rotation transmission;
• Section in the form of a semicircle or trapezoid.