The first set of ten references in the PowerGrip Kit Plus Water Pump Plus Thermostat kits range covers specific VW group applications fitted with V6 engines and Vauxhall/Opel models fitted with 4 cylinder engines.
In each case, the thermostat sits directly behind the Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS).
Examples of applications with such a configuration include the Audi A4 2.4 (Petrol), Audi A4 Cabrio 2.4 (Petrol) & 2.5 (Diesel), Audi A6 2.4 (Petrol) and Audi A8 2.8 (Petrol). Vauxhall/ Opel models with similar layouts are the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 and 1.4 (Petrol) and the Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 and 1.4 (Petrol).
Gates say that rather than strip down the SBDS for a second time, it makes sense to replace the thermostat whilst carrying out a scheduled overhaul.
The new kits ensure that motor factors will always be able to supply the correct thermostat for each of these applications while the installer can be assured that all of the parts needed to overhaul the SBDS and replace the thermostat at the same time are being supplied.
As the cost of replacing the thermostat on these models is relatively small in comparison with replacing the timing belt and its associated tensioners, the new kits are a cost effective solution that will give Gates installers an edge over the competition, say Gates.