Gates vs Dayco timing belt
 

It's time once again for belt change. What's your thoughts on the Dayco vs Gates timing belt. Reason being I ordered a Gates from RM!!!!!!n and got a Dayco. The parts have been sitting in the box since Sept. and I just noticed. They did send me a Gates balance belt though.

I have used both in other applications and experienced no problems with either brand.

Clifton

I know Gates is good

Get the blue Gates kevlar racing cam belt. It has to be a better bet.

From Dayco Q&A - Bob is the Oil Guy

Dayco labs question and answers.

Q. I have been advised more than once by different people that Dayco belts are more trouble-prone and that Gates or Contitech should be utilized. Can you comment on the failure rates (massive as well as miles/time to a stretch and/or squeal point) and quality assurance of Dayco versus Gates or Continental?


A. Dayco’s lab tests have shown that Dayco belts are as durable and noise resistant as the competitor’s belt products. Since almost all belt suppliers use belt constructions utilizing EPDM rubber compounds, the flex life and overall durability of belts are very similar. The failure mode that is most prevalent in belt systems is noise, and the cause of the belt’s noise is almost always a system cause (pulley misalignment, low tension, rough/worn bearings,) as opposed to the belt. Dayco has been in business for 105 years and is selling millions of belts every year into the automotive aftermarket and to almost every major Auto and Truck Manufacturer in the world. 105 years of experience has taught us that quality and innovation are the keys to our success and survival.
Ed Rammel, Vice President Marketing


Q. What is the time-life (as opposed to mileage) that a Dayco belt can perform before replacement is recommended? (Important for seldom-used cars)

A. Dayco’s new EPDM belts are not affected by ozone degradation as compared to the older style neoprene belts, thus time for performance will be extended (to at least 7-10 years as compared to the typical 6 years for a neoprene belt). But, storage conditions can still decrease the time recommended, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and/or oil contamination.
Jay Swope, Principle Engineer of Belt Development


Opinions from users & sellers: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/off-topic/2834259-dayco-timing-belts-any-good-or-avoid.html

I know the gates timing belt I bought doesn't work. I'll send it to anyone who wants it. I stick with contitech.

why do you think it doesn't work? that would be a first that i have heard

no mechanic i know will install a contitech without you signing a release or waiving their responsibility. those things are like rubber bands.

dayco designed one belt and gates designed the other. they were the original suppliers. contitech only came in when porsche shopped for a cheaper supplier. they have since switched back.

You're fine with the dayco, but if you can't sleep at night buy a gates from amazon for $14 shipped. The Kevlar belt is probably the biggest waste of money. I wouldn't buy a conti belt. They seem to be going the way of Bosch.

That's the way I was thinking, I just wanted to be reassured.

We're here for you.

The teeth don't mesh with the cam and crank. If you want it, let me know.

very odd. never heard that before. i wonder if it's somehow the wrong belt?

probably wouldn't work on a 968, so i can't use it. thanks though

What's the belt number Matt?

I've heard of the teeth not meshing thing. If you have the right belt, you sometimes have to really wiggle the belts on. Sometimes when your'e putting it on, one side is a tighter tension than the other side, so it seems off. Carefully warming it in the sun does help. Or maybe it actually is a bad belt...

I don't know what the numbers mean but the info below is exactly how the belt reads:

107 DO NOT CRIMP 09110 530282438
Made In USA


Here's a picture of the teeth not cutting the mustard.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386610298.jpg


It's free to good home if you want it. Only attempted to be installed once, otherwise brand spanking new.

This is a used timing belt, still in good condition. It's a Contitech belt. See how well it fits?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386611948.jpg

I have no doubt advancements have been made, but under my watch, a contitech cam belt has never failed. Unless I have the wrong belt, I'm not going waste another $10 on gates.

Info from the Gates website confirms that the 107 is a belt for the 8V 944...so, I guess the one you got is marked up wrong or very badly made!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386617625.jpg

;)

I will never use Conti after the teeth stripped on a new belt correctly installed after 12k miles. Happened a few years ago, this was my post on RL with the outcome: Rennlist Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Another Timing Belt Failure - But All is Well

I have had issues with contitech, but only on the balance belt. Once lost all but 9 teeth on one side, but I blame that on a P9201, which was calibrated correctly. I did let a Porsche tech tension the belt, but I was right there the whole time, from bar calibration on the 9201 to cover install. My hands only from now on.

Good luck.

Duly noted, and unfortunately the belt legend continues.