How to solve mystery problems after timing belt/chain failure.
For over 45 years, Autodata has worked closely with manufacturers and workshops to ensure the information provided to technicians is the most accurate possible to aid in the service, maintenance and diagnostics of vehicles.
Through this in-depth working process, Autodata is able to identify common or unique faults that could leave many technicians lost for solutions.
Autodata finds an increasing number of technicians having to undergo costly and time-consuming repeat repair work after a timing belt/chain failure incident. This is due to an increasing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) using the assembled camshaft, also known as a hollow camshaft.
To improve fuel economy, as well as contributing to lower emissions, OEMs have started to favour the assembled camshaft rather than the traditional heavier forged solid cast iron camshaft. The assembled camshaft is put together using forged or sintered cam lobes and a hollow steel shaft which is expanded in the region of the cam lobes, thereby securing them in place. However, a weakness with the assembled camshaft becomes evident after a timing belt/chain failure where valve-to-piston contact has occurred.
Since the camshaft and cam lobes are not of one solid cast iron construction, any unforeseen exertion on the cam lobes can force them to turn, or under severe conditions, twist the hollow steel shaft.
It is therefore very easy to complete the obvious work after a timing belt/ chain failure, but not remedy the damage to the camshaft. This is likely to result in non-starting, poor idling, increased emissions and in extreme cases, further engine damage can reoccur. All of this is frustrating, time-consuming and potentially very costly – both in terms of money and reputation.
These simple checks will assist in identifying the type of camshaft installed:
- Look closely at the cam lobe and shaft: Is it of one machined cast iron construction or are the cam lobes and shaft two individual components?
- Feel the texture of the camshaft in between the cam lobes: With the assembled camshaft the texture is smooth to the touch, unlike the cast iron type which is rough
In the event of a timing belt/chain failure, it is now advisable to check if the cam lobes have moved or if the hollow shaft has twisted. To do this, some vehicle manufacturers may issue a template tool which can be placed over the cam lobes to validate correct alignment. Alternatively, a visual comparison can be carried out, positioning a new assembled camshaft alongside the suspect camshaft. It should be noted that minor distortion in cam lobe alignment can be difficult to spot using this second method.
In case the suggested inspections are inconclusive whether the cam lobes have moved, or the hollow shaft has twisted, replacing the assembled camshaft should be considered to avoid engine damage from reoccurring.
With any valve timing-related repair, precautions must be taken before the engine is cranked via the starter motor. Rotating the crankshaft by hand two complete revolutions will verify if any valve to piston contact exists.
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