Timing belt covers

[FastAndFurious]

I left my covers off for ease of maintenance. I can't really say how it affects durability, but I've had no problems at all with it. Until I actually see some evidence of it causing a problem, I'll continue to enjoy my 10 minute crank sensors swaps. I'd even be okay with having to replace the tensioner twice as often, given how easy it is to replace now.

However, it's my opinion that you should not leave the bottom cover on unless all the covers are there. Otherwise you've created a trap for pebbles/etc to get stuck in, right next to the timing belt.

By removing the bottom cover, wouldn't you catch water or pebbles or whatever easily tho? I understand you wouldn't want them to get trapped, but it seems like it would be worse to leave them all off.