Like I said in an earlier post, I never said ALL Honda engine used belts....good for you!
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Why does Honda insist on using timing belts instead of chains?
- Thread starter grampi
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Also, as someone who has owned Ford that were known for the timing chains suddenly breaking and who has owned older Toyotas the needed the chains replaced every 100K, I would question that notion that chains are always better.
Timing belts can be great and they can be bad, timing chains can be great and they can be bad. The reason why both designs exists is because they both work.
I'll take my chances with chains. I've never needed to replace one, or any of their associated parts...
Even though they are heavy, and they SHEAR oil, I prefer metal GEARS. Chains need clean motor oil, and shear oil more than a belt does.
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Nick1994
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My 96’ Jeep had to have the chain replaced about 6-7 years ago as it stretched and caused a misfire CEL. I think around 120k-130k miles.
My Camry’s timing belt broke 2 years ago, just a little past it’s replacement interval. It’s non-interference so no engine damage, and cheap to replace. For that car it doesn’t bother me. If I keep it long enough, I’ll let it break again. I won’t plan to replace it.
I don’t think I’ll buy another timing belt car again though.
My Camry’s timing belt broke 2 years ago, just a little past it’s replacement interval. It’s non-interference so no engine damage, and cheap to replace. For that car it doesn’t bother me. If I keep it long enough, I’ll let it break again. I won’t plan to replace it.
I don’t think I’ll buy another timing belt car again though.
My '81 Mazda had 606k miles on the original chain, tensioner, and guides, with never a problem. However, many newer ones are not as good. My first two cars had gear-driven camshafts, and they never gave any trouble, either.
JHZR2
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Do you have a 3.5L v6, or the simplest i4 engine out there? Have you tracked issues with bigger engines, larger chains, single roller chains, sprocket wear, etc.?
It's in the design, mostly the coolant pump runs off the teeth of the T belt, so it's a two-for-one maintenance thing.
Timing chains do stretch & alter valve timing from the factory ideal setting.
The external timing components make the repair at least 1/3 faster than internal/chain drive set ups.
Honda is known for being a stickler about valve timing, even avoiding hydraulic adjustment decades longer than all other builders.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
If you think about it, on the Hondas in question, it's not that it uses a timing belt vs a chain, it's that it's an interference engine. I'm sure the belts can last well past the 105k miles that Honda currently says to replace them at, it's just if (when) they do break, it's bad.... really bad in most cases.
Believe it or not, and I think it's questionable, most (or many - this was the case when I called multiple local ones) only recommend replacing the belt. Nothing else, just like Honda says. They do "inspect" the other bits and then will suggest to replace them or that they're fine, but it's almost like bait and switch to me.... One dealer quoted me $499 to replace the timing belt. I asked for the price if they needed to replace everything else and it rose to close to $1200. I just have to wonder how many people go in for a TB only and end up paying $1000+ in the end.
Gears go bang too.Even though they are heavy, and they SHEAR oil, I prefer metal GEARS. Chains need clean motor oil, and shear oil more than a belt does.
It’s cheap, it works, and you have to replace it (ie, spending money)
When designed properly all are equivalent....its the bean counters that cause mischief....
Do you drive an Iron Duke? Maybe one of those mail truck LLVs?Even though they are heavy, and they SHEAR oil, I prefer metal GEARS. Chains need clean motor oil, and shear oil more than a belt does.
Timing belts are generally dry, so the oil is kept in the engine via comparatively small seals around the several rotating parts. And the timing cover doesn't have to engineer in oil supply and return. If you want to get real BITOG-y you can account for the lack of chains shearing oil, go safely longer on your OCIs, and save that money up for the timing belt job.
I really have no issue with either a belt or a chain as long as it works reliably. Some engine designs could probably benefit from going back to a belt if the manufacturer can't figure out how to make a long-lasting chain setup.
With a belt you are guaranteed maintenance - but also no surprises provided you do said maintenance.
With a chain you are likely to get years of reliable service with no maintenance, but could be surprised with a nasty large maintenance bill.
With the advent of DI, the chain driven rigs have become less reliable than they used to be in the past. A trip through the first gen F150 eco boost forums and or GM 3.6's will show this with saddening regularity.
If I had my choice up front Id still pick a chain, but the belt doesn't turn me off the way it used to.
With a chain you are likely to get years of reliable service with no maintenance, but could be surprised with a nasty large maintenance bill.
With the advent of DI, the chain driven rigs have become less reliable than they used to be in the past. A trip through the first gen F150 eco boost forums and or GM 3.6's will show this with saddening regularity.
If I had my choice up front Id still pick a chain, but the belt doesn't turn me off the way it used to.
The title should be "why does Honda insist on using timing belt in their v6 engines?"
And here is the answer: J series engine dates all the way back to 90s and that was an era almost all Honda engines had timing belts, such as D series and B series.
D-B series are gone - replaced by K series (chain driven), but J engines are still around. Though they are heavily updated but they didn't switch to timing chain I think mainly because cost savings.
If you are willing to pay extra $$ to get it changed every 100-110k, it's a nice engine. However, if you do DIY, working on an horizontally placed V6 engine is no fun.
And here is the answer: J series engine dates all the way back to 90s and that was an era almost all Honda engines had timing belts, such as D series and B series.
D-B series are gone - replaced by K series (chain driven), but J engines are still around. Though they are heavily updated but they didn't switch to timing chain I think mainly because cost savings.
If you are willing to pay extra $$ to get it changed every 100-110k, it's a nice engine. However, if you do DIY, working on an horizontally placed V6 engine is no fun.
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And I thank them for it but more importantly in the common gdi/ turbo engines with oil consumption how many chains aren't stretching before the 100k timing belt interval ?? At least with the belt you plan a $1500.00 maintenance at 100k.
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