Timing Belt
IMPORTANT:
This engine design is what is commonly referred to as an interference type engine. Meaning in the event of a timing belt failure, the crankshaft and pistons would continue to rotate and camshafts and valves would remain stationary. Under certain circumstances, it would cause damage to the pistons, valves and the cylinder head itself. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule (North American Emissions)
and perform the timing belt inspections and replacements at the intervals that are suggested.
The timing belt coordinates the crankshaft and the camshaft and keeps them synchronized. The timing belt also turns the coolant pump. The timing belt and the pulleys are toothed so that there is no slippage between them. There is a tension pulley that maintains the correct timing belt tension. The timing belt is made of a tough reinforced rubber similar to that used on the serpentine accessory drive belt. The timing belt requires no lubrication.