An unsuitable or worn sprocket can cause the chain to skip

An unsuitable or timing sprocket can cause the chain to skip and damage internal engine components, as well as lead to reduced performance as it fails to mesh correctly with its counterpart sprocket. Cloyes offers an extensive selection of premium replacement crank and cam sprockets available with various tooth counts and styles designed to meet most automotive applications.

A sprocket is an auto part that converts linear movement from chains into rotation for components like camshafts and crankshafts, ensuring appropriate timing between these moving parts of an engine's timing system. Sprockets play an essential part in this system by guaranteeing appropriate timing between the camshaft and crankshaft.

Modern automotive engines feature variable valve timing (VVT). This system helps improve fuel economy and power output by altering when the intake and exhaust camshafts open and close. VVT systems are controlled via solenoid actuators or phasers (actuators/phasers).

In most automobile engines, the camshaft resides within the engine head while its counterpart, the crankshaft, can be found within the block. A cam sprocket that is smaller than its drive sprocket connects these two mechanically; its six teeth engage holes on its larger counterpart to cause rotation of both pieces and can even drive additional components of your system such as chain drives or cam drives.

On older light-duty GM and Ford truck applications, the cam gear was mounted to the engine head while its counterpart resided within the block. These systems utilized compressed fiber cam gears mated to aluminum or cast iron crankshaft sprockets - this caused excessive compression which may damage teeth on crankshaft sprockets leading to chain failure and potentially costly engine damage.

Today's engine builders are increasingly turning towards complex, high-performance setups for their engine builds, which necessitate an understanding of how changes in technology have altered automotive timing systems. According to experts, when installing aftermarket components one must follow OEM designs when installing them.