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Timing belts began to replace chains in the late 70’s and early 80’s as auto manufacturers were researching ways to produce lighter and less expensive vehicles. Lighter weight meant increased mileage. There are many questions that are frequently asked about timing belts. Learning about what belts do and when they should be replaced will help you in keeping your vehicle running while avoiding costly breakdowns. Keep in mind that not all cars have a timing belt. Timing chains are making a comeback due to durability so be sure to check your vehicle’s manufacturer guide to determine if you have a belt or chain.

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The timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft turning at the correct rate. The crankshaft moves pistons up for compression and exhaust cycles, while the pistons move down for power and intake cycles. Depending on the vehicle make, a timing belt will also run the water pump, oil pump and injection pump. The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the valves for intake and exhaust. The valves must open at the correct time to allow fuel to enter the chamber and then close to allow for compression. If the timing cycle is off, fuel may not enter the cylinder or could escape through an open exhaust valve. If the valves are not fully closed during compression, the majority of the engine’s power will be lost.

Sea lions, such as the California sea lion and Steller sea lion, belong to a group of pinnipeds that have external ear flaps—giving them the nickname “eared seals.” This group also includes fur seals like the threatened Guadalupe fur seal.

Although seals and sea lions are similar, they are not the same. There are several physical characteristics and adaptations that you can look for to tell the difference between seals and sea lions.

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In the best-case scenario, when a timing belt breaks, your engine will simply stop running. There is no longer a connection between the camshaft and crankshaft. This is what occurs in a non-interference engine. The overall impact of a broken timing belt does depend on the type of engine installed in your vehicle. Engines are either interference or non-interference. Interference engines gain a bit more compression and provide slightly more power. Smaller engines may be the interference type for this reason. In this configuration, the valves extend into the cylinder a little more than in a non-interference engine. This also means that if the system is not properly timed, the valve may not be out of the way when the piston moves fully upwards. When a timing belt breaks in an interference engine, one or more valves may be stuck in the open position. The pistons will move upwards forcefully, crashing into the open valves. In the best case, your engine will have some broken valves and damaged pistons. In a worst case, the valves and rods can push through the engine cover. Pistons have even been known to crash through oil pans if the crankshaft twists and breaks in the process. The engine is now ruined.

You can perform a search on your make and model vehicle to determine the type of engine installed. However, just because you have a non-interference engine it does not allow you to ignore the timing belt. You will still face expensive repairs if the belt breaks. With regard to questions about how to check a timing belt, this is a job for a qualified repair shop. In the majority of all applications, the timing belt is protected under a cover that is not easy for a novice to remove. Access to the belt requires removing many engine components. If the timing belt shows any signs of cracks or worn out teeth, it really should be replaced immediately. If it has begun to stretch or is coated in oil, a new belt is advisable. If you have purchased a used car, and do not have any information of the most recent belt change, do take your vehicle in for a belt inspection. Your local Meineke Car Care Center has experienced technicians that you can rely on when you have questions regarding auto maintenance and timing belt noise or symptoms. If you are unsure about when to change a timing belt, Meineke has the answers you need.

Seals and sea lions are both pinnipeds, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Learn how to recognize a seal vs. a sea lion.

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On land, seals use their bellies to move around in a caterpillar-like motion. They have small front flippers that are thinly webbed with a claw on each small toe. In the water, seals swim easily, moving their rear flippers back and forth, similar to how a fish uses its caudal fin (tail) to propel itself through the water.

Seals typically have a smaller body size compared to sea lions. But some, such as the Northern elephant seal and hooded seal, can be larger.

Many car owners may wonder how often to replace a timing belt. The old rule was every 60,000 miles. As technology has improved, many manufacturers recommend intervals up to 100,000 miles. To be safe you should check what the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends and stay within that mileage. Faulty timing belt symptoms include a loss of power, loss of fuel economy, misfiring and engine vibration. Timing belt noise is no longer one of the most noticeable indicators of potential belt failure. When the vehicles had timing chains they would become very noisy as they loosened and began to chatter. Now that vehicle manufacturers are using belts you are less likely to hear when it becomes loose or cracks. Belts can create a mild chatter sound but nothing in comparison to the sounds of a timing chain.

On a combustion engine, the timing belt keeps the camshafts and crankshaft moving in unison. As these components spin, the valves open and close to allow the proper amount of air to mix with the fuel shooting into the combustion chamber. As the timing belt moves around the pulleys, the rubber materials start to […]

On land, sea lions use their large, elongated front flippers and rear flippers rotated underneath their bodies to “walk.” In the water, they propel themselves by paddling their front flippers and use their rear flippers to help steer, like a boat’s rudder.

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It is often said that changing the oil is the single most important thing you can do to take care of your car. Nevertheless, it is something that many automobile owners delay—and the results of procrastination can be dire. The purpose of oil is to cut down on friction within your engine. When […]

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A car tune up can certainly be an ambiguous request or service, as it can mean different things for different people. Some car owners refer to an auto tune up as merely a regular check-up, to make sure that their car is in good shape and everything is working correctly. Others may refer to an […]

“True” seals, also known as “earless” seals or simply “seals,” belong to a group of pinnipeds that have ear holes but lack an external ear flap. This includes species such as the harbor seal, endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and harp seal.

Sea lions can be noisy and are easily recognizable by their loud and distinct “bark.” They commonly congregate in large groups called “herds” or “rafts.” They can be seen together on offshore rocks, sandy beaches, and sometimes human-made structures such as jetties and piers.

In general, seals are quiet. When they vocalize, it’s with soft grunts, growls, or hisses. Many are less social than sea lion species, especially in the water, but seals can be found on land together to avoid predators, rest, mate, and nurse their pups.

Last updated by Office of Communications on December 10, 2024

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Seals and sea lions, along with walruses, belong to a group of marine mammals called “pinnipeds.” Pinniped means fin or flipper-footed in Latin. These animals spend the majority of their time in the ocean but come on shore for long periods of time.

All seals and sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and some are also listed under the Endangered Species Act. It is important to view these wild animals from a safe and respectful distance for their safety—and yours. If you see a sick or injured seal or sea lion, please call your nearest marine mammal rescue organization.

You can also answer the question of when to replace a timing belt if you are having other work done that requires the removal of the timing belt cover and belt. In most vehicles, the belt must be removed if the water pump must be replaced. Reinstalling a used belt is not a good idea. The belt will have stretched and getting the timing set exactly right is difficult. The majority of the cost of belt or water pump replacement is the labor. You should invest in a new belt. This rule also applies when you are replacing a timing belt. You should consider having the water pump replaced at the same time. If the pump is near the end of its expected life cycle, you will save on the cost of the second service with a high labor cost.