The operation of a machine heavily depends on the communal harmony between its various parts. Each of the mech's components carries out specific pertinent functions, ensuring the success of a device's use. When a machine stops operating or decreases its quality of work, it's often caused by a malfunction of one of its parts, hindering the synchrony of the equipment's inner system.
Timing or synchronizing belts play an essential role in enabling a cooperative power transmission system. They aid the functionality of combustion engines by synchronizing the opening and closing of the motor's crankshaft and camshaft valves. They set the pace of the pulley system controlling the valves. Hence, they are called timing belts because they manage the timing of valves. Over certain periods, as with any mechanical element, timing belts wear and tear, thus requiring replacement. However, one of the most common questions or struggles relating to the belt's restoration and initial installation is measuring a suitable timing belt for your equipment.
The shapes of the belts consist of various structural, specific parts, like spikes that make measuring difficult. People often break down the measurement of timing belts by teeth, pitch, pitch length, and width. Plus, the numerous belt sizes make shopping at belting suppliers a little overwhelming for first-time shoppers. To help you find the best match for your equipment, here is a guide on how to accurately measure any timing belt.
Teeth
The teeth of the straps are the protruding spikes of the belt. They interlock with the teeth of the rotating gears in the pulley system that open and close valves, controlling and maintaining steady timing. To measure the teeth, you want to measure the length of the tip. Don't forget to consider the appropriate quantity and shape of teeth for your gear during purchase. Most teeth structures come as either rounded (curvilinear), modified curvilinear, or trapezoidal shaped.
Pitch
The pitch consists of the distance between the center of one tooth to another. Picking out the center of the tooth can also provide further difficulties for some people. You can easily mark out the center for trapezoid or "square" shaped teeth by selecting the halfway point on the tooth's total length. The best rule of thumb to follow for rounded and modified curvilinear teeth is to measure from one highest peak of a tooth to another.
Length
The length of a synchronizing belt, also specifically referred to as the pitch length, can be determined by the total circumference of the band measured from the row of pitches. To achieve the circumferential length, you take the total number of teeth and multiply that by the pitch measurement. Another more tedious way to measure the length is to continuously measure the pitch around the band. Remember to mark off your beginning point so you don't end up double-counting teeth.
Width
One of the more straightforward measurements to gather from the belt is the width. The band's breadth refers to the distance between one edge of the belt's smooth side to the other. Some people confuse the width with the thickness of the timing belt when looking at it on its side profile. The belt's thickness includes the vertical length of a tooth and the vertical length of the belt strip before the gap between a tooth. However, most belting suppliers don't require you to know the desired thickness of the belt.
A majority of the time you spend with your timing belt won't involve knowing the band's measurements, but those numbers will come in handy when it's time to refurbish your gear with an updated belt. Common signs to look for when knowing when to replace the timing belts include:
Band Breakage
Like most things, when the band breaks, its performance decreases. If easily accessible, checking now and then on the condition of your belt will keep you notified of its lifespan. Depending on the material of your belt or the number of times it's used, you may not have to worry about scouting for band breakages until a lot of time passes.
Tooth Loss
Another appearance factor indicating the need for the belt's replacement is the number of teeth lost. Too much tooth loss hinders the system's movements. Sometimes you can get away with continual operation with one or two teeth lost. However, the teeth help the belt remain secure in place, lock into other parts of the mechanism, maintain a steady timing pattern.
Clicking Sounds
Any unusual sounds coming from machines illuminates the arrival of an issue. When timing belts get misplaced or broken, they often create sounds from pieces colliding and getting in between other parts. It's always a good idea to check on your timing belt if unusual sounds start appearing in that general area.
Engine Misfire
Since the timing belt manages a pulley system for the engine's valves, a worn belt will mistime the coordination of the system, causing the engine to misfire. Missing teeth on the belt will also affect the timing of the pulley system, causing the engine to fail. A misfire leads to the engine's rpm decreasing during idle hours and stumbling during startup.
Engine Malfunction
One of the most apparent indications that your belt may need replacing is if the engine doesn't start. As previously mentioned, the timing belt aids the movement and timing of the valves of a power transmission system. If the belt breaks or becomes too worn down, the entire system may consequently cease to function.
Whether you are buying a belt for a new pulley system or replacing one, understanding how to accurately measure any timing belt will ensure you purchase the most compatible one for your purpose and equipment. At Texas Belting and Mill Supply, you can find a range of supplies, including timing belts in numerous sizes, providing you with plenty of options and matches for your gear. Help your machines, manufacturing process, and vehicles run with a harmonious and well-timed operating network with a quality timing belt, measured to the appropriate size, within the system.
