Engine oil in a modern timing drive system

28 September 2021

Engine oil performs many functions today, not only within the drive unit. An example of this is cars equipped with an internal combustion engine with a timing chain drive. This system uses oil to feed the hydraulic tensioners. Overworked lubricant or improperly selected viscosity can lead to this type of timing drive failure. It is no different in the case of modern engines, in which manufacturers use a timing belt operating in the so-called oil bath.

There are two basic types of timing drives in internal combustion engines - belt and chain. In recent years, some manufacturers have used a specific hybrid of these solutions, i.e. a timing belt operating in oil (the so-called hot oil technology). Examples of such engines are the 1.2 PureTech from PSA or the 1.0 EcoBoot from Ford. However, it is worth mentioning that this solution appeared on the market for the first time in 2008. The hot oil technology allows to significantly increase the durability of the timing drive (belt replacement even every 240,000 km), which has a positive effect on reliability and ecology. A separate question is, of course, the durability of the entire engine, which in the case of strenuous downsized engines will not be significantly greater. The same applies to engines equipped with a timing chain. Although it used to be a virtually maintenance-free solution, today the chain, despite its increased service life, requires regular inspection and replacement.

At this point, we move smoothly to what the two solutions have in common. As you know, the timing chain requires constant lubrication because it runs on the appropriate tracks. The oil also supplies the hydraulic tensioners, whose task is to properly tension the chain and to remove the slack resulting from its operation. One of the reasons why cars with this type of breakdown, i.e. a broken chain end up in car repair shops is the wrong quality / viscosity or level of engine oil. Too low oil level can lead to seizure of the timing drive, which will inevitably lead to breakage of the chain under even a slight load. For this reason, high quality and purity of the oil is essential to keep such timing in good condition. A break in the timing chain can lead to the destruction of the crank-piston system and even damage to the engine head, if we are talking about a "collision" engine.

The same applies to the "hot oil" timing drive type system. Such a belt works quieter and with less resistance than a classic timing belt. It is also much more durable - in the 1.0 EcoBoost engine, the timing must be replaced every 240 thousand. km or 10 years. At the same time, the hot oil strip is made of a material which - unlike its "dry" counterpart - does not deteriorate from contact with engine oil. To maintain the durability of the moving belt in an oil bath, it is necessary to use a lubricant with parameters recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. For example, in a Citroen C4 Cactus from 2021, equipped with a 1.2 PureTech 130 HP engine with hot oil belt, the recommended oil is TotalEnergies Quartz Ineo First 0W-30. However, the quality and viscosity class are not everything. Timely oil change is equally important.

“The use of oils that meet the appropriate manufacturer approvals is crucial for the durability of the timing belt or chain in an oil bath. In addition to the aforementioned impurities or viscosity change, there is also an important parameter, such as the compatibility of the oil with elastomers and rubbers from which the belts are made. In addition to the manufacturers' recommendations, e.g. in the operating instructions, the belt change interval should be shortened similarly to the oil change interval. This, in turn, depends on two aspects - the driving style of the driver and the operating conditions. If someone only drives around the city, covering short distances during which the engine cannot warm up sufficiently, then these are difficult conditions for any oil. Dirt or fuel builds up in the oil and can affect belt life. In this case, we absolutely should replace it earlier. Similarly, if someone drives mostly on routes, without overloading the car and in a situation where the engine has a chance to warm up - then we can use the maximum intervals recommended by the manufacturer. These rules apply not only to cars equipped with timing drives using engine oil, but also to all other vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine"- says Andrzej Husiatyński, Manager Technical Department of TotalEnergies Marketing Polska

A lot also depends on the driving style of the driver. Aggressive driving will cause the oil to lose the desired quality and viscosity parameters faster. Then it will not provide adequate lubrication and cooling of the unit, which can contribute to premature engine failure. Regardless of the type of the timing drive, in a situation where it operates with engine oil, the use of lubricants in accordance with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer is crucial for the durability and failure-free operation of this system.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

About TotalEnergies Marketing Polska

TotalEnergies Marketing Polska has operated in Poland since 1992 and has an established position in the engine oil market. It offers products of two recognised brands, TotalEnergies and Elf. The company has also been rapidly developing the sale of asphalts and has been present on the market of industrial special fluids since 2008. In 2010, TotalEnergies Marketing Polska started imports and wholesale of fuels. In December 2014, the company launched its first petrol stations in Poland, thus entering the retail market. www.totalenergies.pl

Contact details for media:
Bartosz Cyran | bartosz.cyran@proautomotive.pl | +48 662 454 679

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