Gates T298 Timing Belt

[Nardulli]

Well, I have to eat my words. Earlier, I replied with confidence in Gates products. Now I’m not so certain. Did the timing belt job about 1,000 miles ago. Installed everything new, including Gates rad hoses. Here’s what was discovered today. I’ve never seen a new hose fail in this manner.

 

[97 AZ LC]

That looks like sabotage. I bought a Gates upper hose once that fit poorly, turns out it was a universal fit that needed to be cut down - which was not disclosed. It just wasn't worth it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

That's a knife cut, that's not a manufacturer failure. Someone sloppy opening the package maybe.

 

[Landman2000]

What's especially frustrating is that I'm pretty sure the Aisin kits from Rock Auto are going to be cheaper than a Gates kit from a parts store.

Exactly. I know the PO did not do the work himself. He told me he had his mechanic do the work. I guess the old saying “If you want something done right you do it yourself” will always stand.

 

[Landman2000]

That looks like sabotage. I bought a Gates upper hose once that fit poorly, turns out it was a universal fit that needed to be cut down - which was not disclosed. It just wasn't worth it.

Well, I have to eat my words. Earlier, I replied with confidence in Gates products. Now I’m not so certain. Did the timing belt job about 1,000 miles ago. Installed everything new, including Gates rad hoses. Here’s what was discovered today. I’ve never seen a new hose fail in this manner. View attachment 3997740

Yea thats 100% a cut from a box cutter. Maybe the hose was wrapped in plastic and it was cut open without paying attention. Definitely not a natural failure.