Chains and belts

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

While Tim H of Britain has a point I hasten to add that when a timing chain 
does break on an interference engine it takes out the valves and etc etc 
just as for a rubber belt drive. Most rubber belt drives are very reliable 
and easy to service. The one on the Alfa V 6 seems as reliable as most IF 
you change them as intended. For the 12 valve model the job doesn't seem to 
be inordinately difficult for a mechanic, but admittedly it needs to be 
dome carefully and correctly. Dunno about the 24 valve but I do know Alfa 
had the misfortune to have a run of bad belts from the factory. The 
GM/Vauxhall?Opel?SAAB V 6 also had a bout of bad tensioners causing similar 
catastrophes. These are not inherent failures of the rubber belt design, 
however. Defective timing chains (Usually tensioner or guide problems, 
sometimes sprocket teeth,) cause similar problems and the parts themselves 
are more expensive than the rubber belts.

C'est la vie, takes your choice and names your poison.
Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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