Ford bringing back 3-cylinder engines (link)

[CFECO]

I know...I didn't say exclusively, just that they are used very widely, and are efficient.

[pete c]

T-belts are fine, if they can be easily replaced. This shouldn't be a problem with a three cylinder mounted transversely. There should be plenty of clearance.

Also, it is helpful if the engine is non interference. Being so will allow stretching the recommended change interval without concern of catastrophic damage if it does go.

[jakobnev]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Big Mileage Gains From Really, Really Small Engines

It looks like that 5-stroke could be made from an old 4-stroke 4-cyl with new cams and some creative plumbing. It also looks like it might have problems with efficiency at partial load, due to over-expansion. (at least on a throttled engine) But that might solve with an extra exhaust port that opens. (Seems really good for generator or P&G-use tho.)

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by CFECO

I know...I didn't say exclusively, just that they are used very widely, and are efficient.

You did say "EVERYBODY" - and actually you are right too However car makers need to be more honest about how often they fail and need replacing vs. the benefits they bring in terms of weight and noise.

On the plus side for a TDI owner, replacing a belt early means you will replace the cr@ppy factory water pump at the same time

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by CFECO

EVERYBODY uses timing belts. The lightest, most efficient, parallel power transfer method available. Replace about every 100k miles, no lubrication, no problem.

On the contrary, the vast majority of new engines use chains now including Ford. Even the Japanese moved away from T belts years ago. I can't believe they decided to cheap out on such a critical component.
http://www.motorweek.org/features/go...e/timing_belts

[Rusty Marina]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

New Aveo is basically the new Metro. The only problem for GM US is that they don't sell the smaller 1.2 or 1.4 engine models there, we get them here.

New Aveo is also based on the same platform as the Corsa which is the European "Metro", and has a NA 1.0, 3cyl 12v option.



Agreed, glad my 3cyl has a chain although it can be noisier.

I know a couple people with Aveos their fuel economy is "not all that"

Here in the US, IMO fuel economy cars are never the bread and butter;

it's still trucks and SUV's , which are more or less now called crossover

vehicles. Seems the vast majority wants big flash rides they put

themselves deep in debt for.