Techzle reader: Ad van der Welle
“I regularly read in Techzle about timing chain problems in downsize turbo engines. Often the manufacturers in question claim that they have received inferior chains. However, I think there is something else going on, namely that such a chain is not up to its task. The turbo ensures that more air (and then fuel) enters the cylinders, so the inlet valves are larger. Thus, the exhaust valves have to open against a much higher cylinder pressure at the end of the expansion stroke (the spring pressure will be about the same) and those constant blows are annoying to the chain. And you need the higher exhaust pressure to drive the turbo, so the circle is complete. What do you think of this reasoning? ”
Patrick Hillebrand (Maintenance and repair specialist at Bosch Car Service):
“There are many stories circulating about the cause of problems with distribution chains, including about the poor quality of the materials supplied. This cannot simply be confirmed or disproved. Because the problems occur with different engines, the cause will not be unambiguous. Too narrow a construction (low strength) of the chain is certainly the case with a number of engines. Proper lubrication of the timing chain is also very important. It is well known that lubrication is often compromised due to inadequate maintenance, internal engine pollution, extended maintenance intervals, driving style and possible E10 admixture from the fuel. I will certainly not deny that there are distribution chains that do not seem to be up to the task. However, other factors also have a major influence on the life of a chain. ”
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