The people who design cars aren't stupid. There must be a reason why they decided to opt for an external cam-belt instead of a timing-chain. I think that the effects of a cam-belt breaking are so flipping awesome that it's a major mistake. I'd much prefer that such an important function was entrusted to a stout internal timing-chain or (better still) to a couple of sprockets in a gear system driven from the crankshaft. So there I am, driving along in a car, and the effects on it of the cam-belt breaking far exceed it's write-off value. I chose my 2nd car, (cheap runabout) with care; it's an old Fiesta with a pushrod engine. An old workmate recently had his new cam-belt break a fortnight after it was fitted. Mine snapped a few years ago on the Fiat Fiorino van I was using while I was down in Zummerzet. Wah.
Stupid idea, the cam-belt.
Only recently heard that something as simple as too wild an application of WD40 on a damp Winter's day can rot the cam-belt. Wah.
Stupid idea. Grumble. I'd like a bunch of drivers/auto mechanics to "put their foot down" with the manufacturers on this issue. Fat chance. Wah.
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