timing belt covers?

[steevil]

I replaced my CPS/waterpump/timimg belt/cam position sensor.

I have left all of the timing belt covers off to better access the engine for future possible problems.

DO you think this will be an issue?

I have seen ricers without thier timing belt covers and they seem to do fine.

The car is not winter driven and rarely sees gravel roads.

FYI: if you've ever done the CPS, you know why I've left the timing belt covers off! NO longer required to remove the crank pulley to get to the CPS.

<small>[ June 26, 2003, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: steevil ]</small>

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Biggest issue would be with the timing belt itself:

Do not allow timing belt to come in contact with gasoline, oil, water, coolant or steam.

I would never consider leaving the timing belt exposed.

 

[rendyx]

I've seen a couple SHO owners with it off. Yes, it is a bit of a risk. I suspect as long as you keep a close eye on it, and do go rally racing, you'll be fine. Or how about a modified cover?

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Bubba... Dissapointing news for you. The crank pulley and crank sprocket still have to come off for a CPS replacement. frown

 

[sdpatt]

The covers are there to protect the belt and pulleys from the ravages of the abrasive particles that are constantly flying around under the hood while the car is in motion. That and the "gasoline, oil, water, coolant or steam" mentioned earlier. Exposure to these elements will shorten the lifetime of the belt and pulleys. Exposure to the same elements will likely shorten the lifetime of the CPS too. Every time you drive through a puddle of water you will get your CPS wet. Not good.

Also, you may want to consider the consequences of anything falling into the interface between the timing belt and the crank pulley. A bug? A bolt? Belt failure? Pulley damage? Just because it looks cool - hardly worth that risk.

The CPS can be removed as long as you have access to the CPS screws and the wiring can be properly routed. The crank can be rotated to position the sensor vanes on the crank pulley until a gap will allow the sensor to be removed. Which will be first: you'll probably have to remove the damper to replace the belt before the CPS fails again though.

<small>[ June 26, 2003, 10:49 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[steevil]

excellent points. I guess I'd better put it back on.

 

[SHO--ripper]

Thats a good call putting them back on. thumb The risks of having the covers off outweights the time it takes to remove them to do a 60K.