Exposed timing belts

[Emma B]

I have a Honda VTEC 2.2 H22A engine that I am intending to install in my K1 Attack kit car. Are there any rules that say I must have the timing belt cover (black plastic)fitted, I quite like the idea of leaving the belts and pulleys exposed.

[Wacky Racer]

Emma B said:

I have a Honda VTEC 2.2 H22A engine that I am intending to install in my K1 Attack kit car. Are there any rules that say I must have the timing belt cover (black plastic)fitted, I quite like the idea of leaving the belts and pulleys exposed.

Don't know about actual rules, (SVA is pretty strict) but maybe not such a good idea, because if you get a small stone flying up from the road and it jams and locks your belt you could be looking at a new engine...

[MTv Dave]

On MegaHoon last year the Mosler lost its air con belt because of a stone and exposed belts - the poor guy lost a lot of weight that holiday!

It did look good with the back off though

[kirsty5150]

What they said. It looks quite cool, but can you guarantee that no stones/bits of crap will ever reach the belts? If so, they fine, go ahead. If not, then don't, as it's far too easy to skip a tooth or two and smash the valves/pistons. Which is suitably expensive/terminal, as I'm sure you know.

[supermono]

The rotax engine in my supermono race bike has an exposed cambelt and I've never had any trouble.

SM

[sunim]

Doesn't look like it is something that is tested.
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/vssafety/importsapproval/thesinglevehicleapprovalscheme?page=2#1005

[Mikey G]

It is definatly not advised to run an engine without timing belt covers. I have seen 2 instances of foreign objects get caught in them causing serious damage. Auxilary belts dont seem to get effected in the same way, maybe because there are no teeth on them and are generaly narrower.

[kirsty5150]

How's about getting some perspex/lexan ones sorted so you can see everything, but keep the crud out?

[That Daddy]

dont do it, theres no reason not to keep that belt covered and you have a lot of expensive Honda internals in there,it looks cool having it exposed but the smallest of stones will bust straight thru that cambelt and you will suffer valve damage at least.

[tank slapper]

A friend of mine left the cam belt cover off on his Sierra Cosworth. The fan belt snapped and got caught in the cam belt resulting in that coming off as well. It cost rather a lot to put right.

[motorwise]

as the above two posts - the covers are there for a reason - don't be tempted to leave them off