A/C belt jumped off and ate timing belt cover!

[gdolson]

'93 Eclipse GS, 2.0 DOHC. I don't know how long the belt was free but it managed to cut a groove in the plastic timing belt cover right above the tensioner wheel. First question: How much of a pain is it to replace the A/C belt? Looking in the engine compartment doesn't make me feel good about it! Second question: Is this groove in the cover a big problem? It does go all the way through and extends from one side to the other. I assume this is not an oil tight space. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[mike250]

The A/C belt is easy to replace..10-15 min tops, the cover will be fine, it did its job by protecting the t-belt. As long as the t-belt is ok and the cover is secure you should be fine, it just may look ugly

 

[gdolson]

Thanks for the input. Do you know if other belts need to be removed to get the A/C belt on? I wish my hands were half their size to get down where the belt is!

 

[robvas]

It's not as hard as it looks. The worst part is when you keep dropping your wrench down in the engine bay.

 

[mike250]

Originally posted by robvas
It's not as hard as it looks. The worst part is when you keep dropping your wrench down in the engine bay.

so very true it's not even funny, also have band-aids handy as scraped knuckels bleed well

 

[gdolson]

Good call! I think I see a pair of mechanics gloves in my future! Thanks again.