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22/04/2021

Map-controlled thermostats: operation and problem diagnosis

The need to reduce air pollution is obviously high on everyone’s agenda. New systems are therefore being incorporated in vehicles to make their engines run more efficiently and, thus, lower their emissions. Gates map-controlled thermostats are one way to achieve a more efficient thermal management of the system. In this article, we zoom in on these map-controlled or electrically controlled thermostats, introducing the parts they contain, explaining how they operate and what to do in the case of electrical or mechanical failures.

k01kp15479xs guide pulley failure after replacement

01/04/2021

K01/KP15479XS: guide pulley bearing failure after replacement

This article concerns the 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6-litre gasoline engines that can be found in the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato, Kia Rio and many other Hyundai and Kia models. After all, our technical centre specialists have been getting reports of premature failure of a guide pulley included in Gates kits K015479XS and KP15479XS, which are compatible with the passenger cars mentioned above. A closer investigation of these cases alerted us to the fact that the position of the tension spring (not included in the kits), which should rest with one end on the engine structural element, and with the other end on a special lug of the tensioner base plate, often gets overlooked during or after the installation procedure. Read on to find out how to avoid this common mistake.

26/02/2021

Thermostat replacement: jiggle pin and bleeder valve

Having replaced a thermostat, it is vital to bleed the cooling system to avoid air pockets. Some thermostats feature a bleeder valve for this purpose, which is positioned either directly in the thermostat housing or in the coolant hose going to the heat exchanger or to the expansion tank. In other thermostats, a jiggle pin allows the remaining air to pass into the radiator, where it can be released from the system. In this article, we explain why you should reposition the latter-type thermostats with the jiggle pin at twelve o’clock. In addition, we focus on the importance of using the right diagnostic air bleeding systems or cooling system test and refill tools for today’s modern engines with three different cooling systems.

16/12/2020

Belt-driven stop&start engines: sidewinder tensioner and other innovations

We have come a long way since the days when you had to turn your engine off at a red light in order to save fuel. Deactivation and activation have since become automatic, and both the noise of the first ignition and the starting time have been drastically reduced, so you don’t even notice the engine stopping and starting again. In this article, we want to give you a brief history of those innovations that have been key to the start-stop engine as we know it today. We will focus on the Belt-Driven Starter Generator (BSG), the sidewinder tensioner and our specially designed Micro-V^® E-Start^™ belt.

02/11/2020

Breather hoses: the importance of a timely replacement

In June 2020, we introduced a new hose line. While such a launch always calls for celebration, every novelty obviously requires some adaptations on the part of the mechanics putting it to use. In this case, we have noted that damage to the breather hose often goes unnoticed during maintenance or installation. For this reason, we would like to walk you through the importance of these hoses, their function, and the warning signs that call for replacement in order to avoid a breakdown.

15/10/2020

SBDS tensioner installation procedure: mind the last tensioner pointer setting

When installing an SBDS tensioner, it is important to follow the instructions found at install.gates.com or in the Gates app by scanning the QR code on the packaging. In this article, we highlight the key points of the installation procedure, focusing especially on the last tensioner pointer setting, which is crucial to ensure a uniform belt tension and avoid breakdowns. After all, a difference in tension between the tight side and the slack side of the belt will lead to peaks in belt tension, ultimately causing tooth shear and engine failure.

11/09/2020

G-Force™ CVT belts: enhanced stock availability and range extension

The Gates G-Force^™ CVT belts and the Gates G-Force^™ C₁₂^™ belts have been guaranteeing trouble-free performance for recreational and utility all-terrain vehicles as well as powersports equipment for some time. Yet not all of our customers used to be aware of both belt types. Now, with the launch of the G-Force RedLine^™ CVT belts, we want to take the opportunity to not only celebrate this newest addition to the G-force family, but also to enhance the stock availability of its other members. Not familiar with our G-Force range yet? Find out all about it!

10/09/2020

VAG EA211 three- and four-cylinder engines with oval timing system pulleys

The VAG EA211 three- and four-cylinder petrol engines have been around for quite some time now, but we have noticed that their maintenance continues to pose problems for many mechanics. And that is quite understandable. These engines, after all, are not outfitted with regular, round sprockets, but with oval ones, which we at Gates call ECO Sprockets. Hence, VAG EA211 engines require specific handling and the proper tools for timing belt changes.

26/08/2020

Kit Calculator: find out what’s to gain from using Gates kits

While the advantages of working with Gates kits over buying and installing individual parts are numerous, we have noticed that not all mechanics are on board yet. That is why we have developed our Kit Calculator; a brand-new tool that allows you to see what you can gain from using our Micro-V^® Kits and PowerGrip^® Kits and performing a complete overhaul. Read on to find out all about our Calculator.

23/07/2020

The indispensable role of the timing belt cover

No matter how superb their quality: timing belt components need proper protection. Hence the timing belt cover every car is outfitted with. In this article, we will zoom in on the importance of this shield, discussing the problems it avoids, such as timing belt damage due to oil leakage or due to the ingress of debris or other foreign matter.

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