found stuff in timing belt...am i still okay?

[FastGS-T]

well took the crank pulley off and found some kind of rubbery plastic thing (my guess its dried up gasket glue or something) in the teeth of the timing belt. and as i loosened the timing cover i saw inside where the crank sproket was and there is oil and gunk all over the place in there. ive heard oil on belts = no no, and that i dont want anything to get into my timing belt. but am i still okay or do i need to do more than just clean it out and move on

 

[Quasimondo]

If there's any oil on the timing belt itself, it should be replaced asap. The oil will make the rubber deteriorate and shorten the life of the timing belt significantly.

 

[hereitcomes]

The substance could have been a residue from an earlier maintenance and not having to do with anything with the belt. Check the belt for softness and make sure that it is not satureated because ---yes, fluids do damage belts and they start to gel and become nothing. good luck man.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Either way, I would remove the covers and inspect the timing belt. You are probably going to replace it as it's cheaper and easier than pulling the head and contending with bent valves. Find the source of the material. Probably crank and or cam seals. Check close and use brake kleen to remove any residue from that area. Put in a new timing belt and if you have it, counter balancer belt. Also, check that crank pulley to see if it's about to give you trouble.

Good Luck