2 year old "new" timing belts okay?

I have seen two people break them with their engines. One is a member here.

On his way to church of all places. (not kidding)

 

Do the Porsche guys have belt debates like us ?

 

No, they argue about water vs air cooled.

 

Do you know from what rubber the belts are made? There is a mil spec that gives estimated shelf life based on the the type of rubber. The Dayco estimate may be conservative compared to the mil spec.

 

How long have they been sitting on someone's shelf before they were sent to you?

I wouldn't have a problem. I agree the clock starts when the motor goes around the first time.

BTW: 2 year old timing belts are OK but 2 years and one month... suspicious!

 

I have always found its not the belts that let go regardless of age, as they are kevlar reinforced so even when the rubber begins to degrade they are pretty sound, its the lack of tension or over tension caused by other components in the drivetrain that take the belts beyond their limits, strips teeth, which then causes the subsequent damage.

One example is a fire damaged Ferrari engine I viewed first hand, everything rubber and plastic burned away totally at the front, and the belts still held everything tight just with the kevlar strands remaining in the end, obviously the engine was not running by that stage.

 

Two things.
1. Rotating stock means that you are getting the oldest ones they have. Not a problem if less than ~7 years as mentioned in thread.
2. 14K for an annual service with cam belts is a ridiculous number. You should go punch the donkey that quoted you in the throat! One thing that is good though about that is now you know how that dealer sees you and you were measured as a punk to them so consider yourself lucky that they were transparent with their views towards you. That kind of number is what you would expect to pay for an annual service (ALL car fluids/filters) with new belts and bearings, CAM seals, new clutch, new brakes and new tires! at an authorized DEALER!

 

Ferrari should yank that dealers "authorization" for attempting to rob clients.

 

Unfortunately, the dealer in question isn’t alone. This practice is what keeps many from enjoying these fantastic cars.

 

I recall a friend bought a timing belt and next thing he noticed it was ten years later and began to question use of the belt.

Very similar to Dayco, my research led to Gates stating an eight year shelf life.
https://ww2.gates.com/europe/brochure.cfm?brochure=12909&location_id=19798

 

Belt failure's are almost never the catalyst of a major "interference incident" Incorrect tension, loose pulley fences or bad idler bearings can all cause belt failure. Belts on Japanese cars last 100,000 miles with seldom a failure. Failure shortly after replacement is a sure sign of error by the technician doing the work. Us 345/355 owners get to have a good look at the whole cam drivetrain every 5 years or so. This is how "preventative maintenance" by someone knowledgeable will thwart the "Cam belt Demons" by inspecting and maintaining the engine before something breaks.

 

No, not 14k. He used the word "or" not "and".

14k or 4k

 

He waited 10 years then decided to question?

 

Sorry for the abbreviated background story. The car was parked for a long while and the belt was sitting on the shelf the same duration. So, the question was quite relevant when finally ready to mount the belt. Use the belt or buy a new one and toss the unused belt?

 

Gotcha

Well, for peace of mind, toss it and buy a new one.

 

The last major I did on the Stradale cost me ~$900 in parts. The actual belt service took a friend and I about 5 hours and we talked for 3. The US customers get bent over on service costs.

 

After reading this, here are my 2 cents: arguing about the suitability of questionably aged belts vs. the cost of new vs. risk of engine failure from questionably aged belts points to just buy new and toss the old ones.