Plastic timing belt cover

[TSI024]

Im in the process of rebuilding my motor and i have it almost done but i was wonerding if i need that huge plastic piece that covers my timing belt. mine is all broken and i was wondering if i need it on or it wont matter if anyone one could help that would be awesome thanks alot

 

[DSMrallyDriver]

You do not need it persay, but I wouldn't suggest running with out one.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

Obviously it was put on from the factory for a reason. The 4G63 is an interference fit engine, which means if the timing belt breaks, you're 98% assured of trashing a head. There are actually 3 pieces to the timing belt cover. Some people run without the top cover, but you will NEVER see anyone that knows anything NOT running the bottom 2. I personally run all 3, but that's me.

YOU NEED AT LEAST THE BOTTOM 2 COVERS ON.

 

[Willicuddy]

Say you don't run with the top cover on, and somehow somnething gets caught in the timing belt and blows your top end. Wouldn't you be kicking yourself for not replacing such a cheap part that would have saved your from replacing your head? No point in making more possible problems on an already un-reliable vehicle IMO.

 

[twack]

keep all 3 on. i was simply changing spark plugs and the spark plug cover bolt fell into my timing and i spent the whole next day tking it all apart, from now on ill keep all 3 on, when something falls down their trust me its not worth it

 

[TSI024]

Okay now i the top piece is good but the big bottom one is all chewed up is that a dealer only part or where would i get that from? THANKS

 

[92awddsm]

Obviously it was put on from the factory for a reason. The 4G63 is an interference fit engine, which means if the timing belt breaks, you're 98% assured of trashing a head. There are actually 3 pieces to the timing belt cover. Some people run without the top cover, but you will NEVER see anyone that knows anything NOT running the bottom 2. I personally run all 3, but that's me.

YOU NEED AT LEAST THE BOTTOM 2 COVERS ON.

1g is only 2 pieces, not 3 like a 2g.

Anyways, I would never run without either the belt cover or the cam gear cover. It is too easy to drop something into the cover and not know it. And can you imagine what plain road dirt(not counting rocks ) could do to the belt and gears? Yes, it is a dealer only part. You might be able to find one used from someone. I might even have a good used one at work.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

1g is only 2 pieces, not 3 like a 2g.

Thanks for the clarification.

I've never owned a 1G, nor have I had a reason to dwell into that area on my buddies cars. But at any rate, there's still multiple covers and at least the bottom one on a 1G and the bottom 2 on a 2G should be on. I also agree that to be the safest, you should run all the covers on the street.


my .02.

 

[Talesin]

92awddsm, if you can find one I'd be interested in picking it up; a severe exhaust leak literally melted mine, to the point that it started cutting into the timing belt and had deep grooves sliced into the plastic from the timing gears before I even noticed. The local Mitsu dealers would have to special-order it, and are demanding nearly triple digits for JUST the upper cover. Might be willing to pay that much for both the upper and lower covers (lower got thrashed a little, but nowhere near as bad as the upper), but it's utterly ridiculous what they're asking. Also can't find one at a junkyard or any of the used special parts dealers, as most of them rebuild the engines and sell the belt covers with them.

Especially makes me nervous as I don't have a driver's side front splashguard, and have to drive a road that regularly has bits of grit and gravel. Hasn't hurt anything yet, but I'd hate to have those three letters come true.

 

[TSI024]

Ill check the local dealership for one thanks for your help i appreciate it alot thanks alot

 

[92awddsm]

Ill check the local dealership for one thanks for your help i appreciate it alot thanks alot

Be prepared to spend too much money. Last time I checked with the dealer, the lower section was $117 and the upper was $85. Thats why I said to try and surce a used part. Might even try to contact www.mitsubishigraveyard.com and see if they can help you out.