Re-Use Timing Belt?

[tartan18]

A few months ago I put on a new timing belt (and new front seals, tensioner, etc.). Two weeks later the head gasket blew out (coolant leak). After getting my cylinder head back from the machine shop I am now ready to begin putting everything back together. Can I re-use the old "near new" timing belt or should I buy a new one? Are these designed as a once only application? The "old" one probably had less than 20 miles on it.

Thanks for your help!

Jim ...

[dmwhiteoak]

Personaly ,since they are less than 20 bucks apiece ,I would install a new one since tension was already pulled on the last one . The alternitive would be more costly in worst case. Dennis

[htchevyii]

I think the reason that the manual says not to reinstall a used belt is that the spring that sets the tension, sets it for a new belt that will stretch. That being said, the spring is now old and not as strong as it used to be, so it might be perfect for a two month old belt?

[So Cal Mark]

if it were mine, I'd reinstall it and recheck the tension after a day or two of running

[vandor]

I think Mark is right, you would likely be fine with it, and I've done it on my own car before, but for the price why not have the piece of mind? The reason I did it is so I could get a car started and not have to wait until the next day, but if you don't have to have it running right away, I'd use a new one. A local store should be able to get in a few hours from their warehouse.

[124ADDHE]

In a world of throw out everything and buy new, i think i would just re-use; the environment, common sense and your wallet will approve

[majicwrench]

Yup, just re-use.
If you are gonna replace it (again), using that same logic, why not replace the tensioner that has 20 miles on it. And the seals.
Nothing wrong with re-using it.