Notch in timing belt

[jay_95talon]

My friend recently took his timing belt cover off and noticed a notch out of his timing belt. This is a fairly new timing belt (has 4k miles on it) so he really doesnt want to change it. Do you reccomend that he changes it asap or do you think that its is ok to drive with since it doesnt go all the way through? Links to high res are below.

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High res 1

High res 2

 

[CyberEye]

Changing it again is cheaper than fixing the head. And while it's apart, i'd be going over all the covers/pulleys etc wiith a fine tooth comb to find out why exactly the belt got messed up.

 

[Defiant]

Yeah, I know it sucks, but I just can't recommend running that belt. However, and more importantly, how did it happen?

 

[paranoidTSi]

I wouldn't recommend it, think about it that section is weak now...its definitely going to have more pressure there and once that starts to crack it'll rip further and further..until one day it just flys off.

 

[GTM]

My friend recently took his timing belt cover off and noticed a notch out of his timing belt. This is a fairly new timing belt (has 4k miles on it) so he really doesnt want to change it. Do you reccomend that he changes it asap or do you think that its is ok to drive with since it doesnt go all the way through?
...

That's a tough call, my first impression was that of maybe ok until I looked at the hi-res pict and noticed a shadow line after the damage as if it's delaminating over the span of about 3 teeth. As for what caused it, my guess is someone got a little sloppy with a metal tool and pinched it. If you have to pry or coax some part near a belt use a wooden block or dowel from a broomstick.

If he has to drive the car until parts arrive keep the rpm _down_. Take a match and burn any threads so they don't start fraying worse.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[overboostedtsi]

hey, the car in the pics is mine. I don't know how it happened to the belt. i got my engine rebuilt about 4 to 5k ago and i just took off the timing belt cover to check the belt and the notch was their. I'm going to replace it as soon as i get the money to do it and i'm not going to drive it until then.