Do I need the rear cam cover?

[searya]

I just got done taking off the black metal cover that covers up all the timing belt cog on the crank and has several pieces going all the way to the back of the cams cogs.

On my 1984 pininfarina spider, in order to change your timing belt you have to take it off you have to remove the crank pulley (which btw is reverse threaded) and this cover.

It seems like its only purpose is to keep dirt out, do I need to put it back on? If so I hope I don't have to change the timing belt again.

[gjones1967]

I just did that same strip down, that cover was a pain in the ass to get off. I was told it is not needed. And I found out about the left handed thread the wrong way- broke it!

[Shadoobie]

Although it certainly doesn't hurt to have extra protection from dirt, pre-79 models didn't have them and I didn't reinstall mine the last time. Most owners don't bother.