Lude Generation

Hi all,
Had a quick look at my 3g's timing belt this evening, as I've no service history with this car I've no idea when or if the belt has been changed.
So was fully expecting to see a quite worn belt from the 80's, but instead found this, which to my eyes looks fairly recent.
What do you guys think? this look like its had a belt change within the last few years?

It's clearly had a little bit of wear, but if there's no other reason for tearing it down, I'd probably leave it for a while yet.

(Where's that smear of black grease on the pulley come from?)

Hi, thanks for the reply, that was my thinking too.
As for the grease blob, no idea, certainly not from me, first time I've checked the belt, must have been there since the belt was last disturbed. I was wondering if it could be silicone, but then there's no evidence of silicone use in the engine bay..

Age of timing belts are very difficult/impossible to judge age-wise by their looks, IMO...

If in doubt , change it. You should have a record somewere of when it was changed.
Silly to take the risk of ruining your engine.. Its not an easy job but you will feel more relaxed driving it I'm sure..

Ay I've heard its bad to judge a book belt by its cover

On a serious note I'll change the belt within a year, but as of right now I reckon It'll hold out, even though this car came with no documented history, everything I've found mechanics wise indicates this car was well cared for, so with 86k miles its likely to have had a belt change.