no timing belt cover

[CL MaNTis GST]

is it ok to run my car without the top timing belt cover? my friend broke it while trying to take it off today and i was wondering if it is ok to run without it.

ive seen some guys run it without a cover when they have aftermarket gears n such... would it be ok for me to run without the cover while i find a replacement?

 

[Violater101]

yeah, shoudln't hurt anything ...a few of my friends don't use one, but that's only because it wont fit with different cam gears

 

[BoostinAWD]

I havent ran one for a little over a year with no problems.
Just keep in mind there is a chance that a rock or some debre from the road could get caught in there and snap your belt.

 

[jim97gst]

One thing to consider is if you have oil leaking from anywhere in the engine compartment that has a chance of getting on your belt you will wear out the belt prematurely.

 

[CL MaNTis GST]

how tight should the belt feel. and how can i look for signs of the belt wearing out. Belt "looks" to be in very good condition, but i could be wrong. dont want it giving out on me. I do plan on changing it soon.

how much does it usually cost to have it replaced at a mitsu dealer?

thanks again gang!

 

[jmsmit5]

buy a haynes repair manual, and do it yourself. much cheaper but takes about the whole day. i think its supposed to deflect about a 1/4 inch in the middle. at the dealer i think you pay about 200$, assuming about 40$ an hour labor for 4 hours and 50$ for the belt.

 

[GST4U2NV]

check the sig, non here

 

[larryd]

i dont have a belt cover on there either but be forewarned.. I had a rock magically find its way down in the gears and punctured a hole in the tbelt..

 

[BoostinAWD]

My belt has also been saturated with oil for 6 months from some unknown seal. Looks better now