Does My Car Have A Timing Belt Or A Chain?

Here is a list of timing belts and timing chains for a Honda Element. To see if your car has a timing belt or a chain, head on to the table down below and reference your model year with the corresponsing engine.

How Can I Visually Tell If It Is A Belt Or A Chain?

Generally if the engine block has a plastic panel at it's end, it's likely to be a timing belt and if the block is all metal without any plastic panel, it is likely to be a chain. However, in some cases the engine block may have a metal cover at it's end, in which case you would need to check the side to see if there is a plastic panel which again would indicate a timing belt. If there isn't any on the side either then your Honda Element probably has a chain.

Do Both Chains And Belts Have Timing Covers?

Yes, they do. However, on a chain driven engine you may see a steel timing cover with lots of bolts whereas on a belt driven engine you may only see a few bolts and a plastic cover. The reason for the plastic cover for belts is to provide easy access as timing belts have to be replaced after a certain interval whereas timing chains generally don't and last the life of the car.

Any other clues as to whether I have a belt or a chain?

Well, If you see the oil filter on top of the engine then it is likely to be a timing chain whereas if the oil filter is on bottom of the engine then it is likely to be a timing belt. This is because unlike chains which are lubricated by oil, belts can get damaged if they come into contact with oil.