timing belt age as a sole replacement indicator

[DeWitt Harrison]

Some time ago, in fact quite a long time ago, a veteran, very active
q-lister by the name of Phil Payne expressed the idea that timing belts can
become dangerously damaged by the simple passage of time, mileage
notwithstanding. The belt on my venerable 5ktq is in that situation now
with maybe one or two hundred miles of use but several years -- I hate to
think how many: ten? -- on the clock.

I would be very interested to learn what this group thinks about (the
late?) Mr. Payne's opinion on this matter.

Thanks,

DeWitt Harrison
1988 5000CS