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Author Topic: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?  (Read 6877 times)

superbaldguy

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Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« on: January 26, 2009, 04:12:59 am »
My 2001 Sentra has almost 260,000 kms on the odometer, still works pretty well. One of the features of the car which I have grown to appreciate is the fact the timing chain is low-maintenance, no need of pricey belt/water pump replacements.

I am looking at some future point at getting a new car - do the likes of the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris or even the Nissan Versa employ a timing chain? I am not interested in a domestic.
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Offline tpl

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2009, 05:41:05 am »
The Mk1 Fit has a chain.  I'd presume the new one does as well.

My VW GTI has a belt but with the replacement at 160,000 km I am not worried about it ( 2009 GTI has a chain)
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Offline tortoise

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2009, 09:51:37 am »
Replacement of a timing belt costs what? $600 including water-pump? 

Considering it's done every 3-4 years I'd say it's peanuts.
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Squishy

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2009, 10:24:31 am »
There probably are chain-driven water pumps, but I think the majority of timing chain engines have a separate belt to drive the water pump off one of the camshafts.
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Offline footlong58

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2009, 11:27:22 am »
Versa's MR18DE engine uses a chain...

"The MR is a family of straight-4 all-aluminum automobile engines with variable valve timing co-developed by Renault and Nissan. Renault calls it the M engine. Other noteworthy features of this engine family include acoustically equal runner lengths and a tumble control valve for the intake manifold, a "silent" timing chain, mirror finished crankshaft and camshaft journals, and offset cylinder placement."

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superbaldguy

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2009, 05:09:23 pm »
I was hoping the Versa would have a chain, that is the model I am leaning on.......Thanks.
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2009, 05:33:25 pm »
Toyota Yaris (same engine found in Echo, 1st gen Scion Xb, etc..) uses a timing chain....
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Offline safristi

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2009, 05:40:22 pm »
  bring back oh bring back the olde Chainbangers......why the hell do i wann PAY $600 or $700 fer a wee jobbie every 3 /4 years if i'm keepin a car OR buying a re-sale @ 100K that needs money trown at it or it May IMPLODE???? yeah (interference NON interference blah blah blag)...... my 230K Ranger don't need no STINKIN Do-OV'Rs....here we see some poor folks lining UP fer a fleecing... :'(
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Offline johngenx

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2009, 05:46:52 pm »
Corolla uses a chain, has for some time.  Personally, I like chains better.  They last longer and don't usually break in the same catastrophic way that belts do.

BUT, the life of the chain is dependent on the quality of oil it lives in.  If you change the oil and filter frequently, then the chain will live a long time, but otherwise it can wear quite quickly.
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superbaldguy

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #9 on: January 27, 2009, 04:30:48 am »
Oddly enough, I don't see the type of belt in specs, you'd think the car makers would want to promote the fact they use chains.
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Offline Frontier1

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #10 on: January 27, 2009, 05:24:34 am »
Quote from: superbaldguy on January 27, 2009, 04:30:48 am
Oddly enough, I don't see the type of belt in specs, you'd think the car makers would want to promote the fact they use chains.

They not longer do but they did, it's been quite a few years most reverted to chains, Honda was one of the last ones.
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Offline Slow_lane

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2009, 02:52:01 pm »
How about Hyundia products like the Elantra and Accent. Do they have chains or belts? I seem to remember being told that Accent had a belt.

I for one would rather have a chain.
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Offline Dante

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2009, 07:01:08 pm »
Mazda3 (04-09) uses chain. I would assume the 2010 does too.
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barrie1

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Re: Do any of these newer small cars use a timing chain?
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2009, 09:56:49 pm »
I believe all of the GM products use chains in all of their engine designs. Probably Ford and Chrysler as well but I am not positive on this for sure.  :)
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