Should I put my new timing belt on now or in the spring?

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  • e3irsty
    Advanced Member
    • Jan 2014
    • 134

    #1

    Should I put my new timing belt on now or in the spring?

    I have taken out my engine. Rebuilt the head and am finally throwing it back together but not starting it probably for a couple months. Should I put my new belt on or will that be bad because it is so cold (in new york) that if it sits tight in one spot then I start using it it may snap? Someone please fill me in. I can't move much further which is why I would like to put it on but would not want to put it all together then take it apart in the spring because it is stretched and will not last. Thanks!
  • Rev Run D
    Grease Monkey
    • Feb 2013
    • 392

    #2
    I've never heard of a timing belt snapping because of the issue you're fearing. You shouldn't have any problem installing it now.

    Comment

    • e3irsty
      Advanced Member
      • Jan 2014
      • 134

      #3
      Leaving the belt tight in one spot over a period of months won't stretch out one side or anything?

      Comment

      • 101
        Mod Crazy
        • Jul 2011
        • 764

        #4
        Put it on now. There's no risk of stretching in certain spots - and it prevents the MUCH greater risk of the cam, oil pump and crank sprockets moving around and valves kissing pistons if the belt were left off.
        101

        The E30 collection:
        1987 325es M52 - Schwarz / Taurus Red Sport (son #2's)
        1987 325is - Delphin / Black Sport (son #3's)
        1987 325i Convertible - Triple Black
        1989 325iX Coupe - Diamondschwarz / Black Comfort
        1990 325iX Coupe - Sterling Silver / Grey Sport

        1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 - Green / Tan
        1998 Volvo V70 GLT - White / Tan
        1998 Volvo S70 T5 manual - White / Taupe
        2001 Ford Windstar - Silver / Grey (parts hauler)
        2006 Lexus GX470 - White / Tan (tow rig)

        Comment

        • e3irsty
          Advanced Member
          • Jan 2014
          • 134

          #5
          How would it increase the risk of valves hitting pistons? Everything will be tdc of course. I have it set pretty close right now just can't move forward until it's on. Thanks for the responses guys!

          Comment

          • dnguyen1963
            R3VLimited
            • Nov 2011
            • 2648

            #6
            Buddy, think about how much force the engine is putting on the belt when it is running (or you revving the hell out of it). Sitting the belt will not cause any sore spot. If you are that cautious then just put the old belt on there for now.

            Comment

            • 101
              Mod Crazy
              • Jul 2011
              • 764

              #7
              Originally posted by e3irsty
              How would it increase the risk of valves hitting pistons? Everything will be tdc of course. I have it set pretty close right now just can't move forward until it's on. Thanks for the responses guys!
              If your work area is like mine - things get bumped and moved around over a few months. "Unbelted" sprockets would be no different. Sure you would reset everything to TDC when you eventually install the belt - but why not finish the job now while everything is fresh in your mind.
              101

              The E30 collection:
              1987 325es M52 - Schwarz / Taurus Red Sport (son #2's)
              1987 325is - Delphin / Black Sport (son #3's)
              1987 325i Convertible - Triple Black
              1989 325iX Coupe - Diamondschwarz / Black Comfort
              1990 325iX Coupe - Sterling Silver / Grey Sport

              1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 - Green / Tan
              1998 Volvo V70 GLT - White / Tan
              1998 Volvo S70 T5 manual - White / Taupe
              2001 Ford Windstar - Silver / Grey (parts hauler)
              2006 Lexus GX470 - White / Tan (tow rig)

              Comment

              • e3irsty
                Advanced Member
                • Jan 2014
                • 134

                #8
                Okay thank you everyone. I will be throwing it on and getting everything together. Appreciate the help with my confusion on that

                Comment

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