Timing belt age/storage - does it matter?

[martyxs]

I've heard mixed opinions about this but does it bother you if a timing belt is say 10 years old if it has been in a box on a shelf all that time and seems in good condition?
I know rubber deteriorates but timing belts I believe would have more resistance to wear generally and be expected to last quite well especially considering their daily strain in use.
I worry that buying an old belt it might have stuck its shape a bit in the box etc but should still be in safe enough condition even if possibly 10 years old?
What does everyone think?

[stevieturbo]

Belts do have a mileage or age replacement set from the manufacturer.

Although good question as to how that is affected with an unused belt sitting somewhere.

[TheEnd]

I wouldn't trust it, and I doubt there will be many impartial answers on it.
The manufacturers will always say time to buy one of our new ones.
Other people might suggest they'll be fine, but they won't have to deal with a snapped one.

I'd say they have a reasonable shelf life of 4-5 years, after that, I wouldn't risk it, but then again this is all just guessing.

[Steve_D]

The ratio of belt cost/damage cost is too high...bin it.

Steve

[martyxs]

Many thanks all, is it likely that motor factors and dealers dispose of them after a period of time do you think, like as if they had a best before date even if not shown on the belt?
The belt I was thinking of getting is only a few years old but looks like it's in good condition, I couldn't see any wear or cracks on it or anything. It's an original part as well not OE or anything.
I know what you're saying though with regards to the risk factor...

[stevieturbo]

I would highly doubt motor factors routinely dispose of valuable product after a certain age. Especially as there is no sell by date.

There could well be a manufacture date on it, so perhaps an email to one of the belt companies to see their views on it

[one eyed mick]

I would think that degredation comes via heat ,oil vapour, tension etc but laying in the dark a constantish temp it's not going to affect it at all ,have fitted many belts never thought about age and have seen many running fine way past change time .do as your consiencetells you but it's your choice

[martyxs]

It'd be a case of getting a manufacturer original part for about £20-40 cheaper than an OE/aftermarket part so I was hoping it there were no issues then it would be a better fitting part anyway. Still unsure as I know it's a big risk, should I get the water pump changed as well or just the belt and tensioners? I do have a new water pump in a box so thought about that but wonder if it's neccessary...

[TheEnd]

Tensioners are a must.
In most of the "snapped belts" I've seen, it was actually from a tensioner either siezing or breaking that caused it when someone went for a cheap fix.

What car/ engine is it?
If the waterpump is a common failure, then might as well change it if you have one knocking around.

[martyxs]

It's a Peugeot 106 1.6 16v

[stevieturbo]

martyxs said:

It's a Peugeot 106 1.6 16v

Jesus, how much is a new belt ?

[Simon says]

TheEnd said:

Tensioners are a must.
In most of the "snapped belts" I've seen, it was actually from a tensioner either siezing or breaking that caused it when someone went for a cheap fix.

What car/ engine is it?
If the waterpump is a common failure, then might as well change it if you have one knocking around.

what this guy said unless you hold no value on the engine

[martyxs]

Not that expensive really...
From Halfords the kit is 160 quid, the garage uses QH and those are 80 quid. I can get a new in box Peugeot original part which was old dealer stock for 40 quid...
The head gasket has gone twice, next time it would need a new head...