2 year old timing belt - use or not ?
 

Long story cut short.
I have a timing kit in my garage, been there for up to 2 years. The time has come to do the job. Brrrr. I cant imagine the mechanical parts deteriorating, and will closely inspect the belt, but - would YOU use it on YOUR own car ?
I'm tempted to play safe and get a brand new one from local shop.
Not for a volvo !

Rubber does deteriorate over time, but it's entirely possible that a new factor/dealer supplied belt could have been sitting in a warehouse for 2 years. I would use it. Spin the pulleys before fitting to make sure the grease gets moved around, and keep an eye on them to make sure they don't suffer from grease purge shortly after fitting.

Provided the belt has not been tightly folded, I don't see any problem in using it.

How does one keep an eye on the pulleys ? They are very hard to get at.

Is a belt tightly folded in its box ? I dont know. Will be looking for signs of perishing very carefully, slightest problem, its in the bin.

I think I'll bring the whole lot indoors to warm up and soften before use.

It would be fine I would have thought. My V50 was 150k or 10yrs so with that in mind and as long as it’s been stored ok it should be fine. Just a thought

TT

It is fine, looks and feels brand new. Loosly coiled in a large box. Will be used.
Going to pay a mechanic to do the job for me, partly cos I dont want to, and partly cos its way too cold to be trying to work on cars outside.
Will try to find any other small jobs to be done at the same time.
Brrrrr