timing belt cover

[talon monster]

On a daily driver (if it runs again), does the timing belt cover need to stay on. Or can i leave it off. If left off what are the bad points.

 

[DSMvroom]

if you have it off and the car is running, you could accidentally lose your finger(s) if you are not careful

 

[Talesin]

Dust/dirt/rocks/debris possibly getting kicked up, and landing right in your shiny happy timing belt. Possibly shredding it to hell, and causing your pistons to slam into your valves as the belt breaks. Not TOO likely, but still possible.

Also, if your camshaft seals are 'iffy' at all, you'll be throwing oil all over the compartment.

 

[blackGSX2g]

Yea, without a doubt I would keep the lower on. You would be suprised at all the crap that gets thrown around under you car. You could leave the upper cover off if you trust yourself enough to not drop anything in there, but I see the bottom one as a necessity.