Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

Hi,

I've been driving around in my latest SVX for a while now, but one of my wife's mechanics noticed the timing belt covers aren't on (I knew that), and told her that without the covers, in the rain(!) the belts could come off.

So now she's worried I'm going to crash and burn in the next rain storm, and demand I check with people that really know. Since the people here are the ones that know, I'd appreciate knowing if it's ok to drive around without a timing belt cover.

Thanks
Martin

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

The engine is a non-interference type, so if the belt comes off the engine just stops with no damage to it.

Running it without the covers isn't the greatest idea, as any foreign matter - leaves, twigs, paper, etc.that finds it's way in there could dislodge the belt.
Water may do it as well.

You will have a better chance of it if the bottom engine cover is on, but why chance it at all? Seems like just a matter of time before it happens. - Ed

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

I would classify them as "necessary"

Keith:cool:

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

agreed.....

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

not svx but I been running a legacy w/out covers for more than a year in snow rain woods gravel grass leaves sticks and off road w/out a single hicup, but it is a gamble they are there for a reason. Rain should be no problem.....................G

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

Seems like a lot of the Suby off-roaders over on USMB run without covers. They also like to brag about being able to change a timing belt on the side of the road in about 30 minutes. I guess having no covers would make it easier/faster.

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

I think benebob or another one of those crazy pennsyltuckians used to run around without timing belts with no issues. Seem to remember that coming up in a thread a while back.

I wouldn't do it for fear of gravel or something getting in there. But I believe people do it without issue.


edit: found it. But I think this may be their race car. 2005! And I thought my memory was poor.

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

Thanks y'all.

Next time it gets worked on I'll put the cover back on.

Martin

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

He left them off of his car as well.

I haven't had them on my car for about 2 years now. The only problem was last winter, I just got my snow tires and decided to play :rolleyes: Went through a "top of the bumper" parking lot with fresh powder at over 40 mph... Snow packed everywhere in the engine bay and knocked the belts off.

If I would have had the belly pan on, I'm pretty sure I would have been fine. This winter I'm putting the belly pan on ;)

I'm also naked on the XT6 and Legacy...

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

Whats a timing belt cover?:confused:
BUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, snort!

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

:lol: I would place the timing cover in the "Not strictly necessary, but a really good idea" category. Like shock absorbers. Can you drive without shocks? Absolutely. Is it a good idea? Not so much.

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

It is like a car cover only smaller and made out of thicker stuff!

Keith:cool:

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

+1 :) :) :)

Re: Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?
 

OK, for a regular SVX you should have the timing covers on.:rolleyes:
They will help to keep out rocks and such so that your timing belt does not jump.
On the other hand if it is in the way of your blower drive you might drive without it for, what, is it seven years now?:p