reusing timing belt

[BLOHS7844]

I have an oem timing belt with less than 20k on it. I had to remove my head for to redo some threads and I am absolutely out of money. I need my car really bad right now. Is it ok to reuse it? All timing belt components were replaced 20k miles ago.

[crazytsiawd]

Originally Posted by BLOHS7844

I have an oem timing belt with less than 20k on it. I had to remove my head for to redo some threads and I am absolutely out of money. I need my car really bad right now. Is it ok to reuse it? All timing belt components were replaced 20k miles ago.

would you reuse toilet paper ?

most timing belts go for 60kish, if you're in a bind id say go for it, but i wouldn't run it for very long.

[96' Eclipse GS]

"Yes" and "No"...I wouldn't in just personal preference. If money is a little tight, then you should have no problem. Just replace it down the road sooner than it is required....My $.02

[TSITurbo95]

Originally Posted by crazytsiawd

would you reuse toilet paper ?

As long as as the other side was clean then yes.

OP, as long as there are no stress cracks in the rubber, or any wear marks, etc I would reuse it. HOWEVER for cheap insurance, I would get a new one just to play it safe, since they are cheap.

[BLOHS7844]

If I reuse would u say that another 20k on it should be ok? I'd rather not go to the 60k mark.

And cheap is a relative term lol I've had to borrow way to much money now from my family and I know for a fact my brother had to skip a loan payment to borrow me money but he won't admit it

[ec17pse]

I wouldnt on an oem, if it was kavlar then i would say say yes as they dont stretch or very minimal. 20k is alot of miles and its very worn in, 2-5k might get away with it, just borrow 40-60 bucks and get one, you will thank yourself then rather pulling the head for a broken belt

[iugrad92turbo]

i reuse mine as long as its in good shape they actually hold up more than 60 thousand miles, but i replace it when i need to, depends on how it looks, cracks, oil, grease etc, kinda of your personal preference its under 100 bucks for some added assurance versus rebuild your head.

[My1GLaser]

I had my head off a few months ago and decided not to reuse the TB myself. It only had 20k on it and it looked fine though. It probably would have been fine. They say to mark the direction of rotation when you take it off so you can put it back on the same way. If you did that and kept it perfectly clean, it should be fine.

[knochgoon24]

I'd reuse it for another 40k if it looks good. No reason why removing it would make it suddenly "bad".

[AlaskanDsm]

When my water pump went out on me, I had to take off my timing belt. I had rebuilt the engine only 30K miles ago so everything else was already "new". I marked the direction as mentioned above and kept it clean. It looked good, no rub marks, fraying, cracks etc. I put that sucker back on, and I haven't had any problems. That thing felt just as tight as it was when I rebuilt the engine! I'd say go for it.

Now if it hasn't been properly taken care of during the time it has been off the car, then I would not use it. For example, it you haven't been keeping it dry, out of the sun, it's been on the ground, or bunched up I would buy a new one.

[DSM1G90]

True, just mark the direction of use on the belt before removing it and reuse it-done it a few times. Not going to hurt none.

[turboglenn]

I've re-used them many times when they are not very old in terms of mileson them, but one thing I would NOT do is use one that's been soaked in oil it barely took anytime at all for a t-belt that was catching leaking oil from a cam seal to break at cruise RPM and take out the entire head, I even needed new guides in a few holes so went wtih all new, cost about 450 bucks. even just a cheap gates timing belt is usually around 30 at autp parts store, Anymorei only use OEM at 75 bucks or so, but i've enver had an OEM break, i have broken others

[rlacasse1]

Originally Posted by knochgoon24

I'd reuse it for another 40k if it looks good. No reason why removing it would make it suddenly "bad".

^^^^Exactly.

The only reason to replace it at this point is because you already have that side of the motor torn apart. Other than that, there is really no point as long as that belt is still in good shape. It just saves you another 60k miles.

I would just at least try to put it back on the direction it was going and run it for the next 40k.

[josh408]

Personally I'd pay for another even though considering money is tight for you, the $60 or so may save you $300 down the road. I guess it's just peace of mind.

[punxnotdead185]

I've reused them before with no problems. Just because it was removed doesn't mean its bad. I always recommend changing it while your in there just because its $40 and the car is already torn down but if you can afford it I would reuse it and just replace it when you can.