What is the purpose of a timing belt?

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

The timing belt delivers power from the crankshaft to the camshaft(s). It causes the valves to open and shut at the exact right times. As it gets older, it wears out and can break. If it breaks while the engine is running, the engine will immediately stop, or worst case scenario, break a valve or piston. Catastrophic failure. Replace it.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well in and engine the opening and closing is operated by a camshaft. For the Camshaft to move the valves it must turn in sync with the crankshaft. The timing belt is driven off the crankshaft and turn the camshafts or camshafts in some cases.

Answer by  RebeccaBargar (288)

A timing belt controls the times at which your engine opens/ closes intake and exhaust valves in conjuction with the timing of the actual moment of combustion within the cylinder. If your belt breaks while the engine is running the cylinder heads and valves will smash into each other.

Answer by  les59 (852)

The timing belt times when the engine ignites the spark on each individual spark plug. The timing for this has to be very specific, because if one goes off out of time, it can cause hesitation and engine problems. Timing belts can also get out of time because they stretch.