Timing belt

I was working on my car today (2003 TDI wagon 245,000km auto) and noticed this little tear on the timing belt (the belt is a continental with 65,000 km on it. installed in 2015).





Now given that the belts are rated for 160,000 km, and that usually timing belts are not the cause of timing belt failures, should I be worried?

Thanks,

Looks like the belt was damaged on install. Whoever installed it should replace it free of charge.

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The inner cover is broken too. Sheesh, how do people butcher stuff like that so bad???

That is what happens when people who think they know what they are doing vs People who actually know what they are doing.

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Unfortunately the belt was done by the previous owner so I dont know whos done the work :S
And I believe the inner cover was broken on purpose to create an access hole... dont see how you can accidentally break that

If that was intentional, the guy truly has no business working on cars. That blemish (fairly minor in my estimation) on the belt could well have been caused by debris getting through that gash. My guess is that some past owner had a tool kit consisting of only a hammer.

Not worth risking

The damage that a broken belt can cause is not worth risking a debate on what to do. Replace it ASAP. Just tore one down that was running right after the previous owner picked it up from the shop after repair of a broke belt and wrecked it, it had two obviously bent connecting rods. Do it for your peace of mind if nothing else.

I strongly agree about replacing it ASAP.

And, a critter could have crawled down in the hole and done some chewing..... thus, there may be more spots with evidence of nibbling !

Tech tip: If the belt dos not go on, STOP! DO NOT grab large screwdrivers and pry it on. Take a break and figure out what you are doing wrong. Your welcome in advance......................