With engines more precise than ever, making sure that timing systems are properly serviced and managed is absolutely vital. Commenting on First Line’s range of timing belt kits with water pumps, available under both the First Line and Borg & Beck brands, Head of Product Development Nick Smith said: “The comprehensive range of timing belt kits from First Line are supplied with the relevant water pump, pulleys, tensioners, and all fixing components necessary for a complete and efficient installation as standard, providing total peace of mind. “In addition to the timing belt, these kits contain all the necessary parts required when changing a synchronous drive system, ensuring technicians can do the job quickly and efficiently, with everything they need from one source.” Nick added: “When replacing a timing belt that drives the water pump, it is now common practice to replace the water pump at the same time. With increased demand from the growing vehicle parc for timing belts with integrated water pumps, First Line has invested in further product research and development to deliver OE-quality 40 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2023 TIMING SYSTEMS www.aftermarketonline.net timing belt references. The range consists of more than 40 references, which cover over 3,000 vehicle applications, including many popular manufacturers such as Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, SEAT, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo.” For more information, visit: www.firstlineltd.com Root cause FAI Automotive Technical Director Dominic Moxon, who has decades of experience with timing chain systems, has offered some recommendations on the life cycle of a timing chain: “Belt replacement and maintenance schedules have become less of a concern to owners as vehicles come fitted with a timing chain system. If buying used, they may have asked - ‘when was the belt last changed?’ - only to be met with ‘don’t worry, it’s a chain and they don’t need replacing!’ My question is, ‘or do they?’” With a supposedly longer working life when put next to belts, a large proportion of chain issues end up occurring outside the manufacturer’s warranty period. Dominic continued: “With garages seeing symptomatic issues and outright failures on a weekly basis, the term fit-for-life could be questioned. In recent years, most garages have KEEPING GOOD TIME All the latest on timing systems, including kit, fitting and more
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=