Shelf Life Of V Belts

[Lawrence M.]

I have a set of Quanta Belts for my 69 L46 that have been hanging on a hook in the garage for about 18 years. Can I use them or should I toss them and order new ones ? The garage is heated in winter. Dehumidified in summer, but not cooled. No windows. The overhead door is only opened occasionally to take the car out.

[Gene M.]

Re: Shelf Life Of V Belts

I can't say about repop belts but my 68 still has the originals on it.

They were off for 25 or so years and put back on. Seems fine now, no cracks........

[Larry M.]

Re: Shelf Life Of V Belts

The Quanta belts for my 1967 327/350 HP car are still going strong after 23 years. They look very good and perform as original.

Larry

[Lawrence M.]

Re: Shelf Life Of V Belts

Gene, and Larry,
Thanks for the replies. These belts also look fine.

[Duke W.]

Re: Shelf Life Of V Belts

Elastomeric material degradation increases exponentially with temperature. So if they've been hanging in the garage and also haven't had significant exposure to ozone or UV and currently show no visual signs of degradation, they should be perfectly okay to use and should be inspected for degradation at least annually.

[Richard G.]

Re: Shelf Life Of V Belts

All the manufactures publish shelf life data for "V" belts. Duke is correct lots of variables that affect belt life. I tend to look at it like almost like printer ink, the manufacture wants to sell you a new one and throw that old unused stuff away.

On issue that isn't mention is the nail. Having two nails to hang it on keeps the belt from taking a set. Keeping it out of the sun is another good idea.
I am more of a function fella. Use the belt and inspect it once in a while. Worse case is it fails in service. One would only have to carry an extra belt and a 1/2 wrench and your good.

[Lawrence M.]

Re: Shelf Life Of V Belts

Duke & Richard,
Thanks for the replies and information. I will use these belts and inspect them a couple of times during the driving season . I only put 200-400 miles a year on the car so they should last a long time .