While setting valves on my I4 92 Accord, I noticed light deposits of oily dirt on the inside of the cam belt cover. I've known for a while that I have a drops-per-day leak in the cam, crank, or valve cover seal on that side of the motor. It appears that small amounts of oil are being flung about by the pulleys and belt. The belt is hardly soaked, but does seem to have been exposed to a very light 'mist' of motor oil. How much (if at all?) will this shorten belt life?
The belt was changed shortly before I bought the car, about 65K miles ago. I was planning to change it this fall, but may move up the schedule if opinion warrants.
I'll pop more of the belt cover this weekend and get a better look.
Thanks