Gates explains why the timing belt and water pump should be replaced together with the thermostat on some engine applications.
A variety of modern engines including most Volkswagen Group V6 and some Vauxhall/Opel four cylinder engines have the thermostat housed behind the complete engine timing and water pump system.
This means that the engine timing system needs to be removed before the thermostat can be accessed and replaced.
Remove and replace
Engine timing systems that have been removed from the engine should never be refitted.
As a result, when the engine timing system is due for maintenance or replacement in the aforementioned engines, Gates recommends to replace the thermostat with it.
This alleviates the chance of unnecessary replacements in the long run, should an old thermostat malfunction after replacing the engine timing and water pump system.
Gates Solution
In order to offer a solution to this issue, Gates offers a comprehensive kit which includes the timing belt, associated metal components, water pump and thermostat.
This helps optimise the service lifespan of the system by making sure that the corresponding components are of the same working condition and quality standard.