Auto Manufacturer Plot

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

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Just a thought - howz come my beloved 1983 Datsun 280ZXT has a metal 
timing chain which will probably last longer than I will...

BUT - seems like all the cars in the last 10+ years have these 
stinkin' timing belts which need to be changed every 30-60-90K miles 
depending on make and model?

Having done a timing belt in my 200, I can see NO reason that a 
timing chain would not have been easy to design in - except one.  
Belts are self-lubricating, and chains are not (at the speeds they 
travel).  Would have necessitated an engine re-design.

But geez, if I were designing a new engine, I think I would opt for 
parts that didn't have a designed-in "self destruct" well within the 
mileage the car would get in its first 5-6 years of use!!

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Al Powell, Ph.D.                 Voice:  409/845-2807
107 Reed McDonald Bldg.          Fax:    409/862-1202
College Station, TX 77843      
Http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/alpage.htm
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