I've seen quite a few engines with open sprockest and belts (meaning that the timing belt cover etc is removed).

Anyone do that regularly? It seems to simplify some things as far as maintainence but is it a bad thing to do for the belt etc?

I've seen it on other cars in addition to Hyundais.

 

I would also like to know the opinions on the matter as well. Good question.

 

I'd leave it on.

 

leave those covers on, if water, oil and debris get on your timing belt it can make it weaker or slippery. if this belt breaks or comes off while driving guess what......... bye bye motor.

 

All depends on the driving conditions.

I have had mine off for about 20,000 miles and no issues. But if you commonly drive on pebble/rock/dusty roads, then I would leave it on.

You will more than likely be fine leaving the top cover off, definately don't take off the bottom half of the cover though.

A middle sacrifice would be to cut a hole in the top cover the exact size of the indentation (same size of the cam gear). This allows quick cam timing changes and still prevents most large debris from getting near the belt.

 

Mine has been off for quite some time. I've got a template and hole saw to cut a hole in the middle of it the size of the circle there, so you can adjust adjustable timing gears, and mine will be going back on as soon as the timing belt is replaced.

I'd suggest doing the hole, and putting it back on, little chance of anything gtting in there.

Mine's been fine for well over a year now.