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22/01/2020

Noisy timing belt tensioner on the 1.6L/2.0L 8V gasoline engines?

The timing drives of the 1.6L and the 2.0L 8V gasoline engines that can be found in Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda models look quite simple. Yet notifications by mechanics complaining of a noisy timing belt tensioner right after installation alerted us to the fact that two rules specified in the installation instructions are frequently ignored, leading to the sounds reported. Read on to find out all about our analysis of the problem – and the solution.

17/12/2019

T43245: fitting procedure and commonly made mistakes

In this article, we present the solution to a problem that many mechanics seem to be experiencing with the T43245 tensioner. We received several reports of adjusters on this tensioner breaking or cracking during installation but could find no evidence of a manufacturing fault whatsoever. Instead, a common installation error turned out to be at the heart of the issue. Read on to discover how to prevent a broken adjuster.

20/11/2019

Wear analysis on timing belts

As you probably know already, some vehicle manufacturers require you to check the timing belt as part of the mandatory inspection. In this article, we will explain how you can detect various types of wear on the timing belt.

07/11/2019

Servicing the timing belt drive of a Mitsubishi 4D56 diesel engine

The Mitsubishi 4D56, though especially popular among SUV and pick-up enthusiasts, is a very common diesel engine in general. Yet servicing the timing drive system comes with some specific challenges. After all, there’s the additional synchronous drive of the balancer shafts and the hydraulic tension system of the camshaft drive belt to consider. We will not walk you through the entire timing belt replacement here but focus instead on those points where mistakes can easily be made.

29/10/2019

TT 020 about tensioner T43091: clarification and installation procedure

We recently released Tech Tip 020, which has tensioner T43091 as its topic. To give you the complete picture and to reduce the risk of confusion to an absolute minimum, this article will provide a verbal clarification of the visual explanation provided in TT020 and discuss the installation procedure in more detail.

30/09/2019

Common thermostat-related problems and how to prevent them

As you know, the thermostat is a very important part of the engine cooling system. It prevents the engine from overheating and keeps the engine temperature under control, enabling the best possible working conditions – provided there are no cooling system failures, that is. In this article, we delve into three common thermostat-related problems: the presence of old or the wrong type of coolant, the thermostat being stuck ‘open’ or ‘closed’, and air bubbles entering the cooling system.

08/08/2019

Misconception of a water pump weep hole chamber cap & an engine core plug

A water pump weep hole chamber cap and an engine core plug look very similar, yet they serve vastly different purposes. In this article, we will highlight their respective functions.

01/08/2019

A brand-new look for Gates packaging

We are proud to announce that all of our product lines have recently gotten a new look. Both our passenger car packaging and FleetRunner^™ (heavy-duty) packaging have been refreshed. Depending on the stock you still have, it may take a while before you get a real-life look at our new packages, but you can get a taste of them in this article, where we introduce the new look and feel. In addition, we give you an update on how to recognise authentic Gates products.

31/07/2019

The importance of positioning the automatic tensioner correctly

The automatic tensioner plays a crucial role in maximizing belt life, optimizing the operation of the drive, and simplifying the installation process. Yet in order to function properly, the tensioner has to be installed in exactly the right way – and that is sometimes harder than it may seem. By means of a few examples, we will highlight the importance of positioning the automatic tensioner correctly.

02/07/2019

The correct use of sonic belt tension tester STT-1

Proper belt tension is essential for optimum performance and reliability, both for timing and Micro-V^® belts. Some experienced mechanics are tempted to check belt tension by rule of thumb, yet Gates strongly discourages this practice and recommends using the sonic belt tension tester STT-1 for manual tensioners instead. After all, the correct amount of tension varies a lot from application to application, making it impossible to ‘feel’ whether it has indeed been reached. The STT-1 checks belt tension accurately every time, providing a quality standard for manual tensioners (note that the device cannot be applied to automatic tensioners).
Read on to find out how to use the STT-1 correctly!

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