do you need to have the timing belt cover on

[DoggTalon]

do you need the timing belt cover or can you run it with out it on and be ok or it be bad cause you could get dirt and dust everything on it

 

[tin_tin13]

Obviously, if you don't care about your timing belt being shredded and destroying your motor hey why not.

 

[BlackTsi1992]

Well you don't need it on for the car to run but running it with out it is a bad idea. There's a cover there for a reason.

 

[Breezio69]

Mine hasn't been on since I bought the car (20k miles ago) I have one that I pulled from a jy but my bolts on the top were stripped, so I'm waiting to change my valve cover to be able to use it.

Its not advised, but your car won't spontaneously combust without it...

 

[Dsmkauai]

I only run the bottom and middle portion. I haven't had the top on mine for probably 10 years, never a single issue and belt doesn't get any dirtier. I would not recommend removing the lower cover and running without it. Way to much risk for a rock or something getting in there and destroy your engine. Most guys with adjustable cam gears don't use the top cover, so its easier to make adjustments if needed.

 

[MALaCasse]

Mine isn't on. It does increase your odds of something getting into your timing belt but I've never heard of anything bad happening because someone didnt have it. I'm going to get some push pins to put in mine so I'll have it on but it will be easy to remove.

 

[Breezio69]

Like its been stated, the lower and mid are probably the most beneficial to have on at all times... but really anything that's going to make it all the way top on the engine bay means you probably have bigger issues... like your hood just flew off in a tornado and debris got in it.

I can't really think of anything that could find its way in there unless you personally left a socket wrench or screw driver on the valve cover, then you'd kind of deserve it.

 

[clipto]

Its 50/50 u can have it on or off. Just remeber if you leave it off and your belt get owned say bye bye motor.

 

[DSM1G90]

What a funny thread People spending their life savings on a motor but not protecting it with leaving the cover, even the top cover ... off.

Wish I had their money and they have a hand full of feathers, then we all can be tickled.

 

[Mischif]

Honestly if your not driving through dirt, mud, or gravel then you have nothing to really worry about. Basically, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do i feel lucky? Well do ya punk?
haha.

 

[Breezio69]

What a funny thread People spending their life savings on a motor but not protecting it with leaving the cover, even the top cover ... off.

Wish I had their money and they have a hand full of feathers, then we all can be tickled.

Considering I am only 27, I hope I can save more than the measly 3 grand I spent on the entire car -<<<<<> tickle away

 

[Leonthefaded]

Considering I am only 27, I hope I can save more than the measly 3 grand I spent on the entire car -<<<<<> tickle away

Ditto

 

[crash89]

Ive ran all the covers off on my car before for over 2 years and never had an issue. Ive never had the top cover on since I owned the car (5+ years) Never had a timing belt issue.

Should you have it on? Yes.. Do you have to? No. Is it kind of dumb to not have it on? Sure.. But I think the odds of some freak occurrence where something does find its way up there to ruin the belt are pretty slim unless you're driving off road and/or hitting everything thats laying in the middle of the road.

Just my .02

 

[94allwheeldsm]

I have had mine off ever since I bought the car with bent valves that was 2 and a half years ago. My friend who fixed it suggested leaving it off to make it easier access when needing to do work real quick. Also, everyone around here,other thAn 1 person, has there's off and they have NEVER had any issues.
I just got my 2.3 SIM motor back and I'm contemplating puttin it on to prevent ANYTHING crazy happening to my $2,600 motor. That is if I can find one and just how lucky I am feeling. More than most likely I will be putting it on for safety sake and $2,600 .

 

[PieEyedPiper]

do you need the timing belt cover or can you run it with out it on and be ok or it be bad cause you could get dirt and dust everything on it

You do if you don't want your plug wires to get sucked in. Or maybe you're fortunate enough to still have the stock plastic wire-guide intact. In that case- still run it. Many go without, but consider a clear one from one of our vendors before joining them.