Oil soaked timing belt?
 

1985 245 non-turbo.
Just replaced the timing belt and seals, pushed the crank seal in too far. Drove, leaked oil everywhere. Took it back apart and replaced the seals because I had a second set. I did NOT have a second timing belt though, so I reused the brand new one, although it was oil soaked pretty good, but only for a short time. I've heard it's not good to use an oil soaked timing belt, but I've never understood why. Am I going to be OK using this belt or should I buy another one and take it all apart again?

I would expect rubber soaked in oil to fail a lot sooner than rubber thats not soaked in oil.

just a gut feeling. no empirical data to back it up.

Is it possible to dry it out? Ive never experienced this problem, But I wouldnt risk running it in that condition. I think these engines are interference engines. Failure of the belt may cause catastrophic engine damage

The 8 valves are noninterference engines. Get a new belt soon just be safe. Standard rubber doesn't like oil.

Dry it out for sure; Id wash it and scrub it with soap and water to remove the oil residue... And no, the b230 are NON INTERFERENCE engines, so nothing happens in case of belt breakage...

Thanks all, ordered another t-belt. I have to reseat the water pump anyways, for the second time!

Thats good to know guys. Still better safe then sorry.

Good luck man