Veteran Owned
How Interference Engines Work
Many vehicles today have interference engines, and it’s important for owners to understand what this means to maintain their vehicle properly. In an interference engine, the pistons can move far enough inside the cylinder to hit open valves, causing damage if the timing belt or chain breaks.
In an interference engine, the timing belt or chain keeps the valves and pistons moving in sync. Normally, the pistons never reach their highest point when a valve is open. In a non-interference engine, the pistons’ highest point is below the open valve, preventing damage. However, if the timing belt or chain fails in an interference engine, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe damage.
The Benefits of Interference Engines
So why would engine designers risk the potential for such catastrophic damage? The answer comes down to compression. A mixture of fuel and air is compressed inside the cylinder. The more that mixture can be compressed, the more power and efficiency is delivered by the engine. This means allowing the piston to travel higher into the cylinder improves the overall performance of the engine, as well as better fuel economy. These are the main reasons why interference engines are so common despite the possibility of ruining the engine.
Potential Risks
A failed timing belt can cause serious damage to an interference engine. If the pistons hit the open valves, the valves can become severely deformed or even break off completely. In either case, the engine is effectively destroyed and will need to be replaced entirely.
Maintenance Tips
The timing belt plays a crucial role in an interference engine, so it’s essential for owners of such engines to monitor it closely. Regularly inspecting and replacing the timing belt is a key part of scheduled maintenance and should be done according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If unsure whether their car or truck has an interference engine, vehicle owners should take the time to research their vehicle’s make and model online or ask their mechanic. This could be critical for maintaining the engine’s performance.
Even though an interference engine is at higher risk of serious failure, the tradeoff is worth it. With proper care and attention, the timing belt or chain can remain intact, and the engine will continue to deliver the power and performance it was built to give. David’s Heavy Duty Tool Sales has a wide range of equipment mechanics and technicians can use in the shop or at home to keep their engines in good working order. Get in touch with us today to learn more.