Numerous timing belts supplied to the automotive aftermarket industry do not adhere to OE specifications, carry "belt only" warranties and may leave service dealers at risk for expensive engine repairs, according to research conducted by Gates Corporation.

A timing belt failure can be a serious problem. Not only does it strand the motorist, but it also can cause serious engine damage. The high compression "interference," OHC automobile engines of today are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, with very close tolerances between the pistons and the valves. Timing belts synchronize the action of the pistons and valves in the combustion chamber, preventing them from occupying the same space at the same time. If the timing belt breaks, synchronization is lost, valves and pistons collide, and significant engine damage results.

Service dealers that install belts with "belt only" warranties may be liable for repairs approaching $2000 per vehicle.

The problem has surfaced due to the role of some "repackagers" in the automotive aftermarket industry. These companies buy up thousands of timing belts from various manufacturers, "rebox" them and sell them to parts suppliers. Some of these parts supplied to the automotive aftermarket may not meet the exacting specifications of todays modern engines. They may break or wear out faster than high quality, OEM-approved parts. Most importantly, these budget belts do not carry engine repair and labor warranties for defective or misapplicated parts.

Changes in belt materials in recent years have led to the creation of long life belts-- made of a special high-temperature grade composite called "highly-saturated nitrile" (HSN). An HSN-constructed belt appears no different than a chloroprene belt, but significantly outperforms in the high temperature engine compartments of modern vehicles. Unfortunately, tests show that some timing belts supplied by some "repackagers" are made of chloroprene when HSN is required at the OE level. Chloroprene belts when misapplied can lead to premature engine failure and expensive repairs

ROLE OF SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND PARTS SUPPLIER CRITICAL

The best way for service technicians and parts suppliers to avoid comeback and "belt only" warranty issues is to only install timing belts that carry an engine repair and labor warranty. They also can check to make sure that the belt manufacturer is an OEM supplier. Otherwise, the supplier may not have the technical expertise to ensure that the consumer is getting both a quality product for the right application. For more information on timing belt issues, visit www.napabeltshose.com/tb.