Gates timing belt kit.

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 08 Feb 2016, 10:06

Was wondering if anyone has used this timing belt kit. Looking for some thoughts on it.

The price is definitely good.

Cees Klumper · Post by **Cees Klumper** » 08 Feb 2016, 10:17

Others with far more knowledge will weigh in, but, for me, this is one of the few items I would not be looking to economize even a large-ish amount like $100, given the amount of work, driticality of function, and length of time this will need to perform.

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 08 Feb 2016, 10:27

Fair enough and i agree. I've read some really bad things about the water pump catastrophically failing on different makes so I'm going to dismiss this set. I won't take chances on mission critical components. Any suggestions for a good kit or is a better idea to buy the components separately?

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 08 Feb 2016, 10:41

Go with a kit from FCP https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... it331wp198, if you're feeling adventurous and want to remove cams!

Otherwise, just get the OEM idler, pulley and mechanical tensioner and an Aisin or Hepu water pump. You can get a Volvo belt or a Continental belt, both have a following. Good luck with the job!

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 08 Feb 2016, 11:07

Thank you for the link, looks good. I do want to be thorough and replace the seals while I'm in there also. I'm doing a sort of once over of the car. I'm also looking into the atf brands right now. I know my vast gets the 3309 spec and I've been reading about the idemitsu fluids. Voyage of discovery dudes..ha ha

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 08 Feb 2016, 11:28

I spent two days non-stop researching every Gl-4 transmission fluid available in the U.S. for our car. (Posted the information here, my first post ever.) I understand your voyage entirely!

My cam seals looked good at 150K so I let them be. I know at the next timing belt change, I'll definitely get that kit. (And I'll have to replace the lower timing belt cover that I cracked...) Good luck!

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 08 Feb 2016, 12:36

Thanks. Yeah the cam seals look like fun. I have had a really positive experience with redline mt-90 in my other car. It took some research to get me there. If I remember correctly most of if not all the manual gear oils available were for a higher classification standard than i needed and caused shudder. I keep seeing mobil 1 js3309 for this car or Toyota type 4 So I'll keep doing my homework.

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Feb 2016, 12:40

Ugh. Elring cam seals = crap. No go on that kit from FCP!

Of course it is fine to replace front cam seals as preventive maintenance but it is not really warranted. I will not replace front seals unless I have the cam cover off anyway (have done that a few times now) or they are leaking (never had one leak yet). If you want to do the seals, buy Corteco.

Gates timing belt kit - pass, as others have stated. Timing belt parts from Volvo will run you about $120 for belt-idler-tensioner, Aisin water pump wherever it is cheapest (i.e., as per Marco's post).

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 08 Feb 2016, 12:56

Yeah I'm definitely not bothering with the gates kit. I'll look around and put the set together from the info gained here. Thanks guys.

Post by **precopster** » 08 Feb 2016, 13:48

New data I read recently suggests that Elring have their seals provided by Corteco which is the OEM supplier.

Perhaps they had a production problem and had to outsoirce on some of their batches. Elring have their btandname stamped on them. Corteco have distinct markings but no brand name.