Key Takeaways
The following are the key takeaways from this article:
- The timing belt pulley is an important component that aligns the timing belt and synchronizes the motion of the camshaft and crankshaft.
- It is a round pulley with teeth engraved on the outer surface along the diameter.
- The pulley can face several problems, such as a misaligned belt, under the tensioned belt, and dirt particles that can impact its motion.
- The bad timing belt pulley symptoms include a ticking sound, difficulty starting the engine, and leakage in the engine oil.
- The cost to replace a timing belt pulley can be as low as $50.
Introduction
Pulley is the most common and simple machine found in different equipment to complete the necessary functions.
Same is the case with the engine, where the timing belt pulley plays a major role in synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft movement by avoiding the misalignment of the timing belt.
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The difference between a normal pulley and the timing belt pulley is that it has teeth alongside the surface to engage the belt and avoid misalignment (1). Further, this article discusses the functions, problems, and symptoms of a bad-timing belt pulley.
The function of Timing Belt Pulley
The timing belt is also in the engine system, which helps connect the shaft system. It plays a vital part in synchronizing the rotational movement of the camshaft with the crankshaft. The gears are connected with the teethed body so that the shaft system remains connected.
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This synchronized movement is responsible for the opening and closing of the inlet and exhaust valves at the accurate time and sequences. There are different possible arrangements for the timing belt pulleys, and this arrangement usually depends upon the power requirement of the vehicle. Sometimes these pulleys are arranged, so that parallel rotation of the shaft occurs in a similar direction (1). This arrangement is known as open belt drives, and in this arrangement, stress will take place on a single side of the timing belt pulley. In this arrangement, more friction will be produced on the lower gears compared to the large gears. In some vehicles, the timing belt pulley is placed so that both the crankshaft and camshafts move in an opposite direction. Thus, the friction is then generated at the middle point (1). This arrangement helps in reducing the vibrations and shock in the vehicle. Moreover, the timing pulleys are necessary as they increase the grip of the timing belt and lessen the chances of slippage.
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Other than it, this part is also considered helpful as it is used to transmit power and helps maintain the vehicles’ speed. The timing belt pulleys can increase the power transmission up to 50m/s compared to the flat belts.
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Thus, the timing belt pulley is necessary as it is responsible for synchronizing the movement of camshafts and crankshafts. It helps open and close the valves at accurate timings and maintains the engine’s health.
Common Problems with the Timing Belt Pulley
Misalignment of Timing Belt
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The major error that causes the failure of the timing belt pulley is the misalignment. Misalignment of the pulleys can lead to engine failure. This is because the timing belt pulley will suffer from stress and tension and ultimately breaks down.
Due to the misalignment in the pulleys, the movement of the camshaft and the crankshaft will not be synchronized. The valve’s opening will then be delayed, resulting in the air-to-fuel ratio becoming disturbed (2). As a result, the spark ignition in the engine is delayed, and the required amount of power needs to be generated. This slows the engine’s performance, and the car fails to accelerate speedily. Besides, the exhaust valve opening is also impacted, and the harmful waste products deposit on the cylinder walls, ultimately leading to engine failure.
Under Tensioned Belts
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Another important reason that leads to the failure of the timing belt pulley is the under-tensioned belts. The stress on belts improves the performance and the rotation of the pulleys.
But due to the less stress on the pulleys, the required amount of pressure is not generated, and the chances of the belt slipping increase (2). Thus, the performance of the timing belt is impacted, and due to the slippery belt, harsh noise and vibrations are felt in the engine. The vibrations are a clear symptom of an error with the pulleys, which can lead to serious engine problems.
Dirt Particles in Pulleys
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The dirt particles are considered the major factor in destroying the performance of the timing belt pulleys. This is because the dirt particles can hamper the movement of the pulleys.
The debris usually gets on the teeth of the pulleys. Thus, the grip of the teeth also becomes poor, and the timing belt becomes slippery. Also, the teeth produce rough strokes that will damage the timing belt, impacting the engine’s performance. Due to the damaged pulleys, the synchronized movement of the shafts will not occur, and the valves’ opening and closing will be affected (2). Also, the sequenced opening of valves will impact the air-to-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber, which as a result, will delay the spark ignition. Also, these dirt particles will enter the combustion chamber and clog the filters (3). Thus, the engine’s performance worsens, and the vehicle experiences vibrations. In addition engine check light is also illuminated to indicate the problem with the engine’s performance. The black-colored smoke is also released from the tailpipe, indicating the accumulation of oxides and sulfides in the engine cylinder.
Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt Pulley
Following are a few symptoms of a bad timing belt pulley:
Engine not starting
The engine operates when the timing belt is operating optimally (4); when the cam movement is synchronized with the crankshaft movement, the valves open and close at the right time resulting in enhanced combustion.
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If the timing belt pulley has gone bad, the timing belt will be misaligned or might not rotate. In this case, the driver will hear the starter motor when turning the ignition key. However, the engine would not start.
Even if the car starts, driving with a bad timing belt pulley can be a bad option. It is because a misaligned timing belt will exert pressure on the rocker arm, valves, cylinder head, etc., causing severe damage to the engine (5).
Ticking Sound
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A misaligned timing belt will also make a ticking sound while driving. This is a sign that the timing belt pulley has gone bad, so the belt is misaligned.
An abnormal engine sound is always a cause of concern for the driver as it could indicate that some components malfunction or are broken. So, the drivers must stop driving the car or should drive it for shorter distances only (4). The ticking sound can also be due to an oil pressure drop, so the pulley is not lubricated, and its rotation will produce a ticking sound. In this case, the driver should keep an eye on the cluster meter, where the oil pressure drop light will be illuminated.
Leaking Engine Oil
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Timing belt also prevents engine oil leakage. However, a misaligned timing belt due to a bad pulley will leak engine oil.
It is to be noted that engine oil leakage can be due to several other reasons, such as a bad gasket, drain bolt, etc. So, a driver should always analyze the actual cause of leaking engine oil (5).
Conclusion
To conclude, the timing belt pulley is an indirect component important for optimum engine performance. It is because it aligns the timing belt and prevents its slippage. The timing belt pulley differs from other pulleys because the tooth aligned outside its surface grips the belt and aligns its movement. However, issues such as under-tensioned belts and dirt particles can impact the function of the timing belt pulley. In this case, the driver will face issues such as a ticking sound, engine oil leakage, and difficulty starting the engine.
FAQs
A timing belt pulley is designed to last around 60,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Again, you can consult the instruction manual to check for the mileage, after which these small engine components need to be replaced. In any case, replacing these components at 30,000 miles is safer to enhance the engine lifespan.
The engine oil leak can also be due to a bad gasket that seals the cylinder and engine block. Similarly, a worn-out engine oil reservoir cap can also result in leaks. Finally, if the engine oil is leaking with a ticking engine sound, then there is a chance that the timing belt has gone bad.
A timing belt pulley is different from other normal pulleys. It has teeth engraved on its outer surface, and its function differs from the normal pulleys. Where normal pulleys facilitate movement, this pulley is designed to hold the timing belt for crankshaft and camshaft synchronization.
