BITs May 2016 SR

TECHNICAL TIPS FOR INSTALLERS

Before installing your new KIT+, make sure the belts are a match (with the same tooth profile and number of teeth) and check the pulley flange height with that of the old pump. If the height isn't correct, the drive belt system will be misaligned and could lead to component failure. To ensure the pump has the correct rotation, compare the impeller for similarity of configuration and size. Also, make sure that all remnants of the old gasket or sealant have been completely removed from the engine block to maintain the correct fitting tolerances and, of course, prevent leaks. When all dimensions and clearances have been checked, fit the water pump in accordance with the VM guidelines, using the correct specification of coolant.

Leaking seals are the largest cause of pump failure, so it is important to inspect the cooling system for the presence of abrasive particles and other corrosive contaminants, flushing and refilling with the correct specification coolant as necessary. To prevent damaging the new water pump seals, make sure that the engine is filled with coolant to the correct level before starting the engine. To prevent potential damage from thermal shock, allow the engine to warm until the coolant has fully circulated through the radiator and all air is bled from the system. Lastly, inspect for any leaks and make a final check of the coolant level before releasing the vehicle to your customer.

Tech-tips:

1

Both vehicle manufacturers and INA engineers recommend

The original water pump may have a damaged pulley, seized pump shaft or worn bearings which could be the cause of the initial problem, and just fitting a new timing belt without replacing the faulty pump and pulley system will once again lead to premature belt failure. Also, the auxiliary drive belt has been fitted to the engine for the same length of time as the timing belt being replaced, and has therefore been subjected to the same stresses and strains. As modern poly-v belts are of a similar construction and material specification to the timing belt, it is obviously a sensible solution to replace this engine critical component at the same time, rather than risk possible future failure which may also cause expensive collateral damage to the newly fitted timing belt system.

the replacement of all ancillary drive components when replacing the timing belt. This includes the fitment of a brand new water pump if it is part of a belt driven system.

2

If the Timing Belt replacement involves any interference with the Front

End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) system, vehicle manufacturers are now also recommending the replacement of both the auxiliary drive belt and all system pulleys (including the OAP/OAD if fitted) to ensure that all replaced components achieve their optimum service life. This does make overall economic sense, as the cost to the customer is limited to just the parts if performed as part of a timing belt route replacement.

3

A small amount of coolant may ‘weep’ from your newly fitted water pump.

This is a normal occurrence which can happen until the ceramic seal pack fully beds in.

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