Timing Belt Inspection

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Condition	Cause
NOTE: Failure to follow the described timing belt inspection and maintenance may result in a broken timing belt and cause severe engine damage. DEFINITION: The following describes conditions of the timing belt you may encounter during inspection and the possible causes.
Tooth is broken and/or tooth root is cracked	Camshaft jamming Damaged camshaft/crankshaft oil seal and/or coolant leak Old age Tensioner not functioning properly
Back surface of the belt is cracked/worn/scratched/scored	Excessive cold starts Tensioner jamming Overheated engine Interference with the belt cover
Side of belt surface is worn	Improper installation of the belt Overload or misalignment of the cam drive components Tensioner jamming Heavy thrust loading against the idler guide flanges Damaged idler guide
Teeth are worn	Poor belt cover sealing Excessive belt tension Tensioner jamming Rough and/or scored cam sprockets
Clean break across fibers	Kinked belt before and/or during assembly Foreign material under the belt
Oil/Coolant impregnated and/or swollen belt	Poor oil sealing Coolant leak at pump Poor belt cover seal