Gates PowerGrip® Kit Plus Water Pump

Engine Timing

Gates PowerGrip® Kit Plus Water Pump

One Kit, One Solution, As trusted OE belt specialists, Gates explains the benefits experienced across the supply chain when the water pump is replaced at the same time as the timing belt.

To avoid engine failure, changing the timing belt on the Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS) is a common preventative measure, usually prompted by the vehicle manufacturers’ suggested replacement intervals. But many motor factors are missing an upsell opportunity when their garage customers come to them with timing belt requirements.

When the timing belt is changed, Gates recommends that the belt driven water pump is also replaced in order to ensure maximum system performance. If ignored, premature belt wear is likely and it is not guaranteed that the water pump will last the entire life cycle of the new belt.

The Gates PowerGrip® Kit Plus Water Pump offers an OE solution for a complete system overhaul in one box, including an application specific water pump.

Water pump wear is not always visible

Water pumps are often perceived as the simplest and most reliable components inside the SBDS. Although the water pump appears to be in good condition, there are a number of adverse influences that can affect their performance. These include:

Airlocks in the system
This can occur during installation, causing noise and/or leaks to be experienced.
Sealant in the coolant
If a gasket is supplied with the water pump, no other form of sealant should be used. Coolant contamination is a common cause of damage that can lead to water pump failure.
General wear and tear
May be difficult to detect but is experienced by all system components so should not be ignored.

The following scenarios show the potential outcomes when three garages take different approaches to a SBDS problem on a Peugeot 106. In all instances it is assumed that installation is carried out according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Scenario 1

Parts fitted: Timing belt kit only

Although the job is complete the chances of premature belt failure remain because the previous water pump is still in place. Additionally, the water pump may not last the full belt cycle.

Verdict: If a failure occurs at a later date, the garage is putting its reputation at risk.

Scenario 2

Parts fitted: Timing belt kit and separate water pump

A complete system overhaul increases SBDS performance

Verdict: Satisfactory, but if a problem develops later and there is a warranty issue, dealing with multiple component suppliers can make the process lengthy for the motor factor, garage and end-user.

Scenario 3

Parts fitted: Timing belt kit plus water pump

A complete system overhaul guarantees optimum SBDS performance

Verdict: Ideal solution, as all parts have been engineered to work perfectly together. Additionally, although chances have been minimised, if a problem does develop at a later date, only one inspection from Gates and one claim is needed to satisfy any warranty issues.

Awareness is key

While garages are responsible for their own workshop policies, it is within the motor factors’ best interests to raise awareness of Gates PowerGrip® Kits Plus Water Pumps as a solution that makes workshop sense – it is an upsell opportunity, there are fewer buying decisions to make, the parts are always compatible and a single warranty covers the whole job.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Engine Timing

Gates PowerGrip® Kit Plus Water Pump