Gatorback balance shaft belt problems

[Joe's_GSX]

So far a friend of mine has used the Gatorback balance shaft belt on many 1G DSM's. On the ones that were driven harder or for performance the belt has seized and failed. The belt has a distinctive pattern(the teeth on all the belts are ripped out the same) and in all occasions execpt one the balance shaft was ok. On one car it looks like the balance shaft seized, although this could have been from the belt. One car lasted 10k with the belt another car lasted 500 miles. It appears as if there may be a problem with this belt.

Anyone else please post your thoughts on this. Please do not state the obvious like "remove your balance shafts". Thanks for your help!

 

[hose101772]

Remove the balance shafts-that will fix the problem.

I raised hell one time about an autozone timing belt loosing teeth.Got lucky no bent valves so I put a nice new factory belts on.
Checked everything really well,balance shafts turned easily.Ripped the factory timing belt apart within a few days.Bent valves that time and upon tear down found a nice spun rear balance shaft bearing.

Did these failed belts have oil on them,missing covers,bad tensioner roller?

I wouldnt think the problem would be in the belt.

 

[miragetbo1997cc]

I have had the same problem with the Autozone Gatorback timing belts.No wonder why they only warrantee the belt for 3 months.I took mine off after 4 months of service and I just so happen to be replacing the cam gears.I inspected the timing belt and the thing had cracks in it.Like it was the factory ,100k mile worn belt.

 

[Joe's_GSX]

no oil on the belt...looked like a cracked belt, worn very badly. Reinstalled all tensioners with a OE belt and no problems since.

I think the problem is the belt! I alos think the belt caused your balance shaft to seize up like you explained the same thing happened to my GSX.

 

[bastarddsm]

i have a gatorback on my car right now it has a bout 1000 miles on it i'll check it when i take it apart soon. it was really over heated badly, cooked the coolant temp sensor, it was that hot, so this oughta show how they stand up. it is possible you guys overtensiond your belts.

 

[hose101772]

I alos think the belt caused your balance shaft to seize up like you explained the same thing happened to my GSX.

Theres no way the belt could really cause the bearing to seize.The balance shafts turn at twice the engine speed and are weighted heavily to one side.
Think of a wheel at a few onces off,it would rattle your teeth out.And thats only turning a few hundred rpm.
Now think of one,though much smaller diameter,turning 15000rpm and several onces off set.Thats alot of force applied on the balance shaft bearings.

Anyway we all know why they fail and that they do fail.So why keep them?Its just asking for trouble.

Oh and for anyone else wondering-dont buy cheap timing belts.Spend to few extra dollars and get the factory.

 

[Joe's_GSX]

gatorback isn't a cheap belt, not everyone has easy access to a dealer.

Anyone else with this problem?

 

[fastwaytech]

gatorback isn't a cheap belt, not everyone has easy access to a dealer.

Here's your new dealer access: mitsubishiparts.com

No excuse to use a shitty belt after you have been told. We all make mistakes.

Get the good belt!

And good luck to ya

 

[cuttheduck]

Mine have been fine for 10k+ miles. I've never heard of anyone having a problem w/ them until now.

I would use the factory belts just to be safe, though i do get the parts at cost and needed it right away.

 

[diambo4life]

Oh and for anyone else wondering-dont buy cheap timing belts.Spend to few extra dollars and get the factory.

Buy OEM stuff - always.

 

[WhiteAWDtsi]

How tight was your bs belt? i've seen them wear quicker when too tight. Everyones right, get rid of the balance shafts. Just leave the front one in and put a stub shaft in the back w/0 a bs belt, its an easier way to do it while its in the car.