Replace timing belt or not?

[Rambo]

I have just restored a 79 fiat 2000 after 10 years of sitting. I have been reading about people replacing the timing belt as a precaution. Ive been driving it around and everything is good. About the only rubber i had to replace was the valve cover gasket as it expanded. The rest of the rubber appears to be in good condition no dry rot or anything. The main thing i had to do was a carb kit and reworking the fuel system as gas sat in it for 10 years. The only other thing was i replaced the master cylinder, and the brake calipers were frozen so i rebuilt the calipers and replaced the hoses. The car runs the better than some of the spiders i see in videos. So i am just wondering if the timing belt should be replaced because i hate to take everything apart at this stage.

[johnsje6]

I vote YES! Even though it may look good, these are 'non-clearance' engines, which means if the timing belt breaks the valves will hit the top of the pistons, then you really will have to tear it apart. I changed the belt on my '79, was not really too bad, and an idler pulley and water pump would be cheap insurance while you have it off. My opinion but I bet it is mirrored by the more experienced members here too, good luck, JJ.

[aj81spider]

A 10 year old belt is a problem waiting to happen.

It's much easier (an afternoon of work) and cheaper to change the belt than to pull the head and replace bent valves.

I know - I've done both!

[DieselSpider]

A 10 year old belt is a problem waiting to happen.

It's much easier (an afternoon of work) and cheaper to change the belt than to pull the head and replace bent valves.

I know - I've done both!

Or have to sleeve the block if the valve snaps off and destroys the piston and liner.

To me no 10 year old rubber is really still good. It may look good to the eye however it is more brittle and much more prone to failure.

Tires are the other item people skimp on however here in Florida we have too many tread separations resulting in roll over accidents from people pushing it running tires over 5 years old.

[bobplyler]

Or have to sleeve the block if the valve snaps off and destroys the piston and liner.

What liner? It's cast iron with no liner.

[DieselSpider]

Or have to sleeve the block if the valve snaps off and destroys the piston and liner.

What liner? It's cast iron with no liner.

I have a diesel with liners in mine. Still you score the cast block and your over boring it or pressing liners into it. Not work risking that on a 10 year old timing belt.