you can tell they have aged from this image below. The composition of the material has changed as shown by the brown sections - I bet those section will feel different to the blacker sections to the touch. They probably could have lasted another 10 plus years though - but for such a critical component, it really is not worth the risk. (Simon, that is looking at the visible evidence, whilst not knowing I cannot believe that MGR fitted striped belts. So with that visible evidence, make a judgement of having it whipped off, to be tested in a lab, for chemical composition, that is the scientific approach is it not? see an issue, and test why it is thus - if it tests out ok, I would refit for further use)
https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%...213012&o=OneUp
