Opinions on keeping timing belt cover and shields

[JammerX19]

I have a lot of engine photos from Freak Out that show a lot of folks run without the timing belt covers. Just looking for opinions for and against the idea. I'm considering not putting mine back on when I'm done with my water pump swap.

[KidDingo]

I just did the timing belt and front seals. I inadvertently left the rear covers off. Didn't realise until everything was back together.

So I just put the main front cover back on for safety reasons. Sometimes I work on the engine when its running and don't want to get a sleeve caught up in the cogs - that would be an uncomfortable mistake to make. But not having the rear covers on means I can see the timing belt now and keep an eye on the cam cogs without compromising on safety.

[majicwrench]

By all mean KEEP THEM ON!! They are there to protect one of the most precious things! Why would you not put them back on??

[maytag]

By all mean KEEP THEM ON!! They are there to protect one of the most precious things! Why would you not put them back on??

Because the motor looks cooler and more alive without them, and there is next to zero likelihood of any incidents related to leaving them off, unless you're stupid.

they are there to keep lawyers at bay when someone gets their finger caught in the cam-belt. no other reason. there is no correlation between cam-belt-wear and belt-cover-removal.

I say leave 'em off.

[boogiedude]

I agree with leaving it off. There have been threads in the past where people have had damaged timing belts that they weren't aware of because the cover blocks all access to easily inspect it. Cover off looks better, and makes maintenance and inspection much easier

[Razooli]

Cut it. Two nuts, the top part's off and you can inspect and watch the wheels go round.



COVER by razooli55, on Flickr

[seabeelt]

I like the look with the covers off,....... but I like my fingers better

[124JOE]

CATS and people can be stupid,MY girlfriend went to start her car one day 2 yrs ago
and she heard raooowww thud thud hiss hiss
she ran up and got me,i opened the hood and theres a cat with part of its leg traped under the belt
on her waggon.
as soon as it seen light it wiggled and pulled then"when free"it jumped out from the car and ran and ran and ran away

i still have my shield on my car and will keep it there.

[Kent124]

Razooli's idea is great! Wish they sold timing belt covers like that

[majicwrench]

Covers are there to protect the belt, lawyers have nothign to do with it. Modern serpintine belts, which run the accessories ( alt, ac, ps etc) on most modern cars, run without covers. And every week I see one with a hole in it where a little bit of gravel ( or something) ended up underneath it. Your belt is critical and fragile, keep it safe.
Keith

[RRoller123]

Covers on, absolutely. Safety over vanity in this case. imho.

[Weelan]

Hmm... Alright, I think you've convinced me to put mine back on. I don't have the back plate, but that should be ok right? better than nothing?

Is there a paint that will last on the plastic and right on the heat of the engine? I'd like to go silver with mine like I've seen a lot of people do.

[RRoller123]

Check with VHT, they make a hi-temp engine paint, not sure about use on plastic though. Best to check with them.

[124JOE]

i say rc car or airplane paint its for lexan plastic and grabs on!

[RRoller123]

Good idea!