With advancements in engine technology, the wet belt is a component that is here to stay. Dayco explains how the system can benefit workshops when it comes to belt replacement.
Wet belts, or belts that run within the engine and therefore in its oil, are now a relatively common feature of engines from many vehicle manufacturers (VMs), and are used to drive several components such as the oil or fuel pump and in some cases, the timing control system.
The weight saving, friction reducing and stretch resistance properties that a flexible belt running within a bath of oil provides, have delivered a solution that has helped VMs to be able to design and produce much smaller capacity engines that are still able to deliver the power and performance they require, while also allowing them to comply with global emissions reduction targets.
The wet belt is, therefore, a component that is here to stay and workshops and technicians need to understand that its ongoing maintenance and periodic replacement are opportunities they should embrace.
To help, technicians need to understand how, and how often the customer uses their car and emphasise the importance of following the VMs scheduled service intervals, as prevention is considerably better than cure!
Wet belt use plays a part
This is particularly important because looking at the reality behind the negativity that is often associated with wet timing belt failure, two factors generally come to light: the condition of the engine oil and regularity of the servicing.
For someone who uses the vehicle regularly and for journeys that allow the engine to fully warm up and operate at its ‘normal’ operating temperature for reasonable periods, for example, then the primary message is to ensure they strictly adhere to the VM’s service and replacement intervals and not be tempted to delay them.
However, for a customer who uses the car infrequently and for very short journeys, in addition to following the annual stipulations of the VM’s service and replacement schedule, the condition of the oil, most notably from potential fuel contamination, must be regularly assessed.
Dayco is the original equipment (OE) supplier of the wet belt solution for several engines for a number of VMs, including Ford, Stellantis and VAG, so is therefore in the ideal position to comment on the most common causes of belt failure.
Recommended service intervals
Technical Account Manager, Glen Goldstone, takes up the story: “Statistically, owners who rigidly follow the VM’s service and replacement intervals, rarely have issues with the wet belt in their vehicle. However, ignoring either the specified mileage or timeframe hugely increases the potential of a belt failure.
“In addition, other mitigating factors, such as a higher degree of contamination in the oil than originally anticipated in the VM’s design specifications, can reduce the lifespan of the belt, in extreme instances to less than the specified service interval.
“This threat, therefore, requires workshops to be more proactive with these vehicles than with others, and to check for the presence of fuel or debris in the oil, when the vehicle is in for a routine oil and filter change, for example.
“Due to the fact there are now many engines that use wet belt technology, which include Ford’s EcoBoost and EcoBlue, PSA’s 1.2-litre PureTech and VAG’s 1.6 TDI, there are clearly a lot of vehicles that are likely to visit the independent workshop, and at some point they will require a wet belt change.
“So, although wet belts may present a problem to the consumer who might want to delay their service or overlook the need for their prescribed replacement, they remain an amazing opportunity for independent workshops.”
For more information regarding the OEM quality power transmission products in the Dayco range, please email: info.uk@dayco.com or visit: www.dayco.com
