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Cambelt and Chips

05/13/2008 3:36 AM

I recently stumbled across a forum discussing chip tuning of diesel engines. One comment stated that a chip tuned engine should have the cambelt changed at twice the recommended interval.

From my simple understanding, the load on the cambelt is the torque applied by the crank which is being resisted by the friction of the camshaft bearings plus the cyclic load of opening the valves plus inertia effects when accelerating the camshaft.

My guess is that the worst case is either when the engine first fires up, or when being revved from tickover with no load. Either way I can't see that a chipped engine would be much different from a standard one in these conditions. I assumed that the benefit was improved torque higher up the rev range. Can anyone shed any light on this ??

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#1

Re: Cambelt and Chips

05/13/2008 4:58 AM

should have the cambelt changed at twice the recommended interval.

Hmmm... I wonder why they bother recomending an interval if people are just going to query/ignore it???

Maybe half the recomended interval for extra safety...but twice!!! That is asking for trouble.

I recomend changing it the day before it breaks.. using the KrisDelTM retrospective maintenance time machine.

Del

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#2

Re: Cambelt and Chips

05/13/2008 1:40 PM

It seems to me the more accurate timing from the chip would reduce the stress and wear on the belt by half and make it last twice as long. (twice the interval: i.e instead of changing it, say... every 3 years, change it every 6 years)

The speed changes would be more smooth, and stretch the belt less.

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#3

Re: Cambelt and Chips

05/14/2008 1:13 AM

Wouldn't ya think there would've been a citation to the effect somewheres. Chip controlled diesels comprise about 98% of new production.

Anyway I suggest changing the cam belt whenever conditions exist that indicate a change is required. I'm doubtful it would be far outside of the manufacturers recommendation +/- 500,000 miles .

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#4

Re: Cambelt and Chips

05/14/2008 10:11 AM

If the modified engine has better low speed response, then as the throttle is opened the force trying to twist the belt will be stronger. It that is true, I would think the desired action is to change the belt at half of the former recommended interval. Just my humble opinion.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Cambelt and Chips

05/17/2008 3:32 AM

The oddity is the "chip" is supposed to overcome this fault.

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#6

Re: Cambelt and Chips

05/17/2008 4:06 AM

A lot of this discussion is complete bunkum.

The tuning/timing probably makes sod all difference. The main force on the cam belt will be due to it's attack angle and the RPM.

The chip isn't going to change the actual cam profile...

Ok I realise I'm pushing my furry head over the parapet..but I think it's a bunch of 'overthink' .
The manufacturers recommendations have plenty of safety factor built in (they don't want to risk claims against them)... so just go by the recommendations.

I got a new cambelt for my previous car years ago.... I never fitted it (whoops) but it's still going strong. (My daughter now runs it, as it was 'less bad' than her old one).

Shoot me down if you have any ammo

Del

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