To change or not to change....

[MHLIGGINS@aol.com]

<<Is it possible to tell if the belt going bad (fraying of the edges,
cracking,
britleness?)so I can avoid a larger project that I want to start right
now? I know and understand the importance of this belt but the thing
looks brand new.

TIA
Reed>>

	Yeah, I know.  Had to make that decision myself recently.  Bought a used
engine, t-belt looked good, so what to do?
	Here's the decision-making process I used --

	1) I was already in there. (So maybe I should change it.)
	2) But it's a PITA to change.  (So, maybe not.)
	3) It's a $30 belt ($10-15 for older I-5s).  (So, maybe I should.)
	4) While I did not have any idea when (if) the belt had been changed, it
certainly 	      looked new to me, and I've seen a few.  (Again, maybe not.)
	5) The cost for a rebuilt head, if the belt snapped, runs from $500-$1100.  
	     ----->>>>   Decision made, I changed the sucker!  <<<<------

	Later.
	--ml