Kevlar timing belt re-use?

[ProRallyCodrive]

I used a Power Enterprise Kevlar timing belt for 3000 miles. Then had to take it off to rebuild part of my engine. When it was removed, the direction of travel was not marked. Am thinking about re-using it but have heard that timing belts lose strength if mounted in opposite direction of travel. Is this true?
The engine puts 300HP to the wheels thru AWD if it maters.

 

[Brians2gDSM]

I have heard of tires coming de-laminated if you change direction of travel but never heard that for a belt. However, since you rebuilt your engine I would have to say it is cheap and safe insurance just to slap a new one on. Better to be safe than sorry especially since these cars have a tendency to pop those things off. From what I have heard valves work much better straight than when they are bent! Good luck, sounds like what I am going to do with my rebuild on my car. Im shooting for a reliable 300 to 350.


~Brian

 

[larsenracing]

Like he said id probably replace it a belt is cheaper than valve work.

 

[ProRallyCodrive]

These timing belts are like $150. I already replaced another when the motor had just 1000 miles and it got oil on it when lost balance shaft removal plug. That for sure would weaken it.
Anybody know for sure what the scoop is about if it were mounted in the opposite direction? And I have a 50/50 chance of getting it correct.

 

[weith1111]

Sounds like you are going to do it anyway, so why don't we just concentrate on helping you figure out which way it needs to go? If your oil pan bolts or anything on the case was touching the belt, you would see some wear on the engine/passenger side. Look at the outside of the belt and see if it is worn at all. That's my suggestion to figure out which way it was on.

But no one in their right mind would chance it. You have a 50/50 chance of blowing a $1000 vs a 100% chance of only having to lose 75$ or whatever it is for an OEM belt. Good luck.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Your belt will be fine to put back on. I have had mine off a total of 5 times (lifters, cams, camgears, change a tensioner and change the waterpump). I know I have put it on backwards before and it still feels as strong as the day I put it on. With kevlar timing belts they aren't directionally sensitive. If that is even a phrase. They are made to resist stretching. That's why they are preferred on high HP applications. As long as the belt isn't physically cracked or showing signs of wear already, which it shouldn't, it is fine to put back on. I have done it to my car and other cars as well. Even change a waterpump on one with 33k on the belt and it still felt new and tight when I went to reinstall it. Just depends how worried you are about it. I've never had one fail after reinstall as long as you make sure the tensioners and everything are in the right spot and you install it center of the gears so it won't rub.