Re: Timing Belt

[aspeer@mail.utexas.edu (Andrew J. Speer)]

>Yep.  If a timing belt breaks on an interfenrence engine, pistons, and valves
>fight for simultaneous residence in a cimbustion chamber-and both lose.  So
>do you.
>

So is the only conceptual difference between an interference and a
non-interference design the fact that the latter is higher compression? (I'm
speaking in practical terms here, I guess you could always create a high
compression free running engine by using funky pistons with recesses in them
where the valves would go should the cam belt break) or is there something
else I'm missing?

Second, how come diesel engines can run so much higher compression?  I
imagine it has something to do with the qualities of the fuel compared to
gasoline, but I can only guess to what they are (slower, more controlled
explosion?).

Andrew.