posted 05-07-2017 02:51 PM                  

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Originally posted by phil2237:
From the tests I have done on these timing belts, it seems like it is a VERY good idea to replace them now after all these years if you haven't already.
If anyone else would like their belt tested, Just PM me for my address and I would be happy to test it for you. Seems age does play a big factor in these belts.

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Phil, your a good man! Thank you for helping out with this experiment / test procedure. I have a 99 which has the all aluminum engine. It spent two years of it's life in Scottsdale Az. Then on to Utica, Michigan for 13 years, then the last 3 years in Crossville, Tn. She is not driven in the winter months, and is currently stored from Nov-Apr. So, she has spent most of her life in a mild type climate. I believe the east / west coast / and desert / Fla. area cars suffer a tad more from heat and salt air than the cold weather cars. Just some additional food for thought. The timing belt kit I purchased from Dayco stated if you did not know when to change your timing belt the industry standard was " 6 years or 60,000 miles, which ever comes first." I agree with your statements in regards to changing the timing belt. Pay me now, or pay me a lot more later! As a few more owners jump on the R&R wagon please try to save your old belt for burst testing by Phil.
So here is where we stand today:
New belt > 300 lbs force with no sign of distress.
19K mile belt: 78 lbs force = tear/break.
56K mile belt: 84 lbs force = tear/break.
24K mile belt: 110 lbs force = tear/break.
13K mile belt: 137 lbs force = tear/break. Jan 2018

Most thing in common with this group is age. All were > than 16 years old.
Anyone out there care to run some Failure Mode statistics on our small sample size? I'll run the numbers when we get additional tests ran. Normally you need at least 25 samples for meaningful statistics.

posted 12-31-2017 01:14 PM                  

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Originally posted by Richnew41:
Just an fyi...I would like to add to quincy last post/list as the more info we have the better in making decision on timing belt changes. Plus I'm just curious on how mine fairs...
Phil gave me the ok and is gracious enough to test my old belt. For the record its from an 02' with 13k miles.
Belt was mailed yesterday and is on its way to Phil.

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posted 01-14-2018 07:43 PM                  

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Originally posted by DublinOH:
I apologize if this has been covered, but has anyone tested a new belt to see what the tensile strength is?

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I did test two new belts. The machine I use is actually for bending custom exhaust pipes, I put smooth round steel wheels to test these belts. The gauge on this machine goes up to 600 pounds. Both belts I tested would NOT break after pegging the needle. When I take the slack out of the belt I am testing, there is about 150 pounds pressure, and then I start adding more pressure until they snap. Most survive in the 75 to 120 pound range. So if you add the 150 to the pressure it takes to break, I am actually in the 250 to 300 pounds of pressure. Both NEW belts survived without any damage. Both belts were tossed after testing.

posted 06-26-2021 11:07 AM                  

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Originally posted by ed monahan:
I am having mine changed on Monday on the '02 Candy with 75,000 miles. Is Phil still doing this?
I am probably going to have the other two changed also. The '02 is the newest, of course. I have an '01 and a '97 also. I am having a few other things done also, just as a precaution.
The guy is a Prowler Tech who opened his own shop locally.

On a side note, I just noticed that either the washer or cotter key in the new ball joint is rusting onto the chrome so I guess it is not aluminum. I will check on that Monday to see what I need to do to change it. Or they can do it while it is on the lift.

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