* * * * * CAUTION * * * * * Gates T195 OEM Replacement Timing Belts ARE WRONG

[SUTHNR]

In an effort to maintain the most and best possible selection of parts like we strive to do at 3SX, we got in one of the Gates T195 Standard OEM-replacement Timing Belts (the regular one, NOT the racing belt with Kevlar). While taking pictures of it to list on the site, I grabbed a stock cam gear and gave it the ole wrap-around-test......

* * * * * * * * * * *
WE DO *NOT* RECOMMEND USING
THE GATES T195 BELT
* * * * * * * * * * *

The timing belt does NOT fully seat into the cam gear when wrapped around it. I did not test on a crank cog, but being a much smaller diameter, it's likely WORSE. Please see the pictures below for what I am referring to. We are returning this belt and NOT offering it on our site.

Note that this is not the first aftermarket belt that we have gotten in and NOT listed due to this exact issue. This is the reason the only timing belt currently offered on our site is the OEM Mitsubishi one.

Note, also, that this is NOT the Gates T195RB Kevlar timing belt - we have not received that one and thus have not yet tested it (but I would recommend testing it if you have purchased it).









If it jumps teeth on a table, imagine your engine at 7000 rpm......



This is what the timing belt should do / look like when wrapped around the cam gear - the ribs of the belt should go smoothly into the cog all the way around.



EricB

[Hans@GZP]

Eric, is this the same print that is on that belt?

[SUTHNR]

Same 195, but others letters vary per picture.

I'd be even MORE leery if it's production run variations........

[Hans@GZP]

Push that belt on the gear.... don't be afraid

[Hans@GZP]

That's weird. Here is the same test I performed on that belt I posted a picture of.

[SUTHNR]

Been down that road. We'll forward tech-support-bitchfest calls up your way haha!

Now I'm worried about getting in the RB version - if their regular ones are this inconsistent... How many do you have in stock? Might wanna wrap-test them all to check for consistency. And these are not even "made in china" as everyone jumps on THAT bandwagon (as if 90% of what is being worn/used bu those same people isn't....)

EricB

[Hans@GZP]

We've run a ton of their race belts with no issues. We stick with Mitsuboshi, Mitsubishi, and Continental timing belts though... except for the Gates race belt. We run the race belts on all of our built engines. Out of stock on those belts until next week though

[SUTHNR]

Well that's good news and gives a little confidence that they might be better than these standard belts. But running a fail rate of 100% so far on them leads me to NOT wanna offer them..... We'll take a look at the RB when it comes in. Wish we could still get the PWR Kevlar belts.

Thanks for sharing the feedback
EricB

[B-Man]

We need to get aaronatstate on this! (last I knew worked for a Gate related company)

[Greg E]

Thanks for the heads up Eric!