Thanks. This is what I thought myself but then this was the first time I have ever heard of this.

I have seen a timing belt on a Ford Mustang II go, a 1600 cc engine like was in the Pinto. No damage to the engine but it was clear from looking at it the belt should have been changed long ago. That was clearly owner fault. A cheap car, used, owned by a guy who was always broke. What could go wrong?

But this one was so torn up... I think it was just a number to things. Like you guys have said, old belt, big load, more heat....

Some things you should just not put off.