Is it bad for the timing belt to get oil on it?
 

I just bought a 91 accord which has a very bad oil leak. I changed the valve cover gasket hoping it would be the simple fix. That didnt fix the problem so I took apart the timing covers and found out that it was one of the seals has popped out. It looks to me that the timing belt and seals have been replaced not too long ago so Im thinking of just putting it back together after i install the seal and retainer but Im wondering if the timing belt or anything else inside this cover has been covered in oil for probably a month will that affect the life of the belt or anything else?

Thanks

1991 Accord
1973 CB500

RE: Is it bad for the timing belt to get oil on it?
 

I would say yes, it will affect the life of the belt and would recommend replacing it will you have it all exposed.

RE: Is it bad for the timing belt to get oil on it?
 

Hard to put a number on how much the belts lifespan is shortened. But the consequences of a broken belt are pretty bad so I would change it. You need to take the belts off in order to change the leaking seal, so it seems silly to put the old belt back on after all that work.

Also check out the seal retainers that would (should?) have been installed for a recall. Im not sure if 1991 is covered by that...

RE: Is it bad for the timing belt to get oil on it?
 

I would definitely change the belt since you will be taking it off anyway. New belt = peace of mind ;)
You can probably find one online for much cheaper than a dealership charges. However, you will have to see how much the shipping will be.