When to Replace the Timing Belt on Your Porsche 944 Turbo?

An internal combustion engine is a form of heat engine that converts thermal energy into useful mechanical work. The combustion of air-fuel mixture within the cylinder generates heat. The expansion of combustion gases due to that thermal energy sets the piston in a repetitive up-and-down linear motion. The crankshaft converts this reciprocating motion into a rotational motion that ultimately propels the vehicle.

The internal combustion engine has emerged as the prime-mover of our society due to- its durability and thermal efficiency. Almost all modern vehicles including high-performance cars like Porsche 944 turbo are powered by the ICEs.

In the case of an internal combustion engine, the timing is everything. For instance, the opening and closing time of the different types of valves (intake-exhaust valves) should be perfectly synchronized with the spark plug firing time. The "timing belt" is employed to maintain that synchronization. Let's discuss what's a timing belt and what does it do.

What’s a timing belt?

As the name implies, the timing belt is a toothed rubber belt which makes sure that the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft are perfectly synchronized. By doing so, it keeps all moving parts of your Porsche 944 turbo in sync. However, a weak or stretched timing belt won’t be able to do its job properly, as a result of which your car engine might run rough and abruptly cease operation.

Let’s converse about some of the recognizable signs of timing belt failure in your Porsche 944 turbo. To begin with, have a look at some of the major reasons behind timing belt failure in a car.

What causes a timing belt to go bad?

The top reasons behind timing chain failure in your Porsche 944 are as below;

• Exposure to extreme heat
• Misalignment
• Damaged tooth root
• Subjection to dirt and oil
• Irregular maintenance

Symptoms of a bad timing belt in Porsche 944 turbo

Prevent engine from starting

It might sound a bit odd, but having a bad timing belt can make it harder for you to start your car. The starter may engage when you turn on the ignition key but the engine won’t turn over and ignite. A stretched or damaged timing belt can break the synchronization between the engine components, as a result of which your car won’t start.

Engine performance issues

As explained earlier, the timing belt makes sure that the rotation of the camshaft is perfectly synchronized with the rotation of the crankshaft. Thereby, regulating the timing at which air-fuel mixture enters the combustion chamber and the byproducts are leaving the cylinder. A slight deviation in that timing due to a loose or damaged timing belt can cause all sorts of engine-related problems like stalling, misfiring, shuddering, and backfiring. If left unaddressed, this may result in catastrophic engine failure in your Porsche 944.

Strange engine noise

If you’re hearing a peculiar ticking or clicking sound coming from your vehicle’s engine compartment, there’s a good chance its timing belt is failing. The timing belt regulates the cylinder head valves (intake and exhaust). By doing so, it makes sure that your car engine is breathing smoothly. However, a worn out timing belt won’t be able to do its job properly and might make an odd ticking noise. It is also noteworthy that, the emergence of a distinctive ticking noise is a sign of low oil pressure in a car engine.

Motor oil leak

If your Porsche 944 engine is leaking oil, it signals a potential timing belt issue. If left unnoticed, this problem can damage your engine beyond repair. Cracked engine gaskets and seals are some of the other reasons behind motor oil leaks in your Porsche 944 turbo.

What is the average life of a timing belt?

The average lifespan of a timing belt is between 70,000 to 100,000 miles or 8 to 10 years. However, it can wear prematurely due to lack of maintenance and rough driving habits. If you’re suspecting that your Porsche’s timing belt is stretched or damaged, get it replaced right away.

What happens when the timing belt breaks while driving?

It can cause irreparable damages to your vehicle’s engine that might cost you a lot to repair. So, learn to recognize the signs of premature timing belt failure in your car. By recognizing the problem on time, you can take suitable precautionary measures to prevent that from happening.

Final thoughts

The timing belt essentially keeps the cam and crankshaft of the engine in sync. Exposure to extreme heat and lack of maintenance can result in premature timing belt failure in your car. Driving with a stretched or broken timing belt can cause catastrophic engine failure. So, if you're noticing any of above mentioned signs, take your Porsche 944 turbo to a nearby car repair shop immediately.

We at Gleenwood Foreign car located in Morrisville, Pennsylvania have been serving the customers around the region since 1977. We service and repair models like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, MINI, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo.