Are Timing Belt Covers necessary?

[skylimey]

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

[ZMan]

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

[kwren]

I would classify them as "necessary"

Keith

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by kwren

I would classify them as "necessary"

Keith

agreed.....

[gbianchi]

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

[davew833]

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.

[immortal_suby]

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.

Originally Posted by benebob

It pumps like a mother on the start position (but doesn't while the key is on, on and it isn't running). I'm assuming that is correct. Timing belt looks lined up but I didn't count teeth (gotta love not having a cover there to verify that aspect).