Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Slide Panda on July 13, 2015, 09:07:50 AM

Title: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Slide Panda on July 13, 2015, 09:07:50 AM
Well aware of the 2 years or 12k mile stricture on replacements for cam belts - so this is not that question.

I have a set, new, never installed exact fit belts that have been sitting in my garage for roughly a couple years now. Garage is attached, so doesn't get super cold nor super hot (45-85). So storage conditions are pretty good.

But... they have been sitting a while. Any thoughts on a very literal shelf life for them? Or am I over thinking the matter?
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Speeddog on July 13, 2015, 09:39:58 AM
In the plastic bag, and no sunlight exposure?
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Slide Panda on July 13, 2015, 09:42:01 AM
Quote from: Speeddog on July 13, 2015, 09:39:58 AM
In the plastic bag, and no sunlight exposure?

No bag, but no sunlight.
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: He Man on July 13, 2015, 01:25:06 PM
flex test. bend it 90 degrees sharply. do you see any rips or tears opening up like its dry rot?
Smell it, does it smell horrible?
is it dry and flaky?

no to above? given no choice to buy new, id run it without a doubt in my mind. you can also call Chris. he knows his products very well.
but belts are also not that expensive. Ive seen much worst run for thousands of miles...
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: ducpainter on July 13, 2015, 04:13:12 PM
Run 'em
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Howie on July 13, 2015, 08:29:23 PM
Since the belts you buy from your dealer are not dated for freshness...
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Slide Panda on July 14, 2015, 06:20:41 AM
Quote from: howie on July 13, 2015, 08:29:23 PM
Since the belts you buy from your dealer are not dated for freshness...

True true...
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Yogi on July 14, 2015, 07:56:43 AM
Download the Gates White Paper http://www.gates.com/~/media/files/gates/industrial/power-transmission/white-papers/belt-storage-and-handling.pdf (http://www.gates.com/~/media/files/gates/industrial/power-transmission/white-papers/belt-storage-and-handling.pdf)
All you need to know about belts from the Horses mouth...
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: Slide Panda on July 14, 2015, 08:04:17 AM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: ducpainter on July 14, 2015, 12:33:47 PM
That pretty much covers it.
Title: Re: Belts - (literal) Shelf Life?
Post by: koko64 on July 15, 2015, 04:51:46 PM
Great link. Thanks.