Is it a good idea to leave off the timing belt cover?

[Blaster2005]

What are the pros and cons to doing this? I have seen some guys do this. They would tell me all the advantages and some made sense. However, I'm sure there are disadvantages to doing this also. I'm getting ready to change the timing belt on my 93 festy and would like some input on the topic. Please feel free to chime in!

[ejp2fast]

i currently don't have my timing belt cover on..... it was in BAAAAD shape when i replaced my belt and didn't get another one.

timing belt off:
looks cool, if you screwed up putting the belt on and its on the wrong tooth, you can change that fast without pulling the pulley, you run the risk of little rocks getting thrown into the timing belt to cause issues

timing belt on: can't see the timing belt wear condition, you CAN advance/retard the timing acurately as the degrees are indicated on the timing cover, no rocks will jump up into belt.

[nonamekid]

Debris can get in your timing belt and cause the belt to jump. I have had the belt jump from ice and that was with the belt covers on. If you have any loose clothes or tools laying around when working on the engine they could fall inside and could cause some damage. Most people take just the upper cover off and leave the bottom one on. It seems that if you do this, debris will build up in the bottom cover. I believe the original intent of the cover was for safety. The only advantage I can think of that would cause you not to reinstall it, is looks. There is no weight gain that would really matter. If you get an oil leak from the crank seal or camshaft seal or a water leak from the water pump, it will end up all over your engine bay if the timing cover is off.

[ejp2fast]

yeah, i forgot the festiva TB cover is a 2 piece... i just did a geo metro engine rebuild, and that TB cover was one full piece..

[Studebaker]

Its more than just for safety. Its called a dust cover. And when all the seals are properly put in place its a tight seal. I can't see why its sealed. But I do know these parts cost money ie less profit. And they don't put them on for no reason.

When I put my covers on I cleaned them up. And using two part glue, glued the gaskets to the covers. They are less likely to fall off when installing.

David