Has anyone removed the lip on the upper timing belt cover so the valve cover no longer needs to be removed to access timing belt? If so, any issues or recommendation. 1999 Civic EX. Thanks in advance.

 

What are you trying to accomplish by accessing the timing belt with the cover off?

Removing the cover can allow for debris to get inside and possibly destroy the belt.

 

BC, he's asking about removing the lip from upper TB cover, not the whole thing.

 

probably not the best idea. flimsy + over timing belt just doesn't sound like an awesome idea to me at all.

 

Seems like a waste of time and a bad idea for a shortcut to me. How hard is it really to remove the valve cover and replace the gaskets every 100k miles?

 

I see lots of vibration and wobble without the lip. Lots of potential problems.

Better to just get used to using non chlorinated brake cleaner to clean up the gasket and all mating surfaces of the valve cover.

Little more work, a LOT more secure.

 

I had a Del Sol (D16Z6) that had the upper timing cover modified before I bought it.
It did not vibrate and caused no problems.

Still, I don't see a reason to do it.

 

Thanks for the feedback. The reason I asked was to eliminate the need to remove the VC to service or inspect any item under the covers (i.e. seals, T-belt, idler) and to reduce contaminating the head with debris with the VC off. I just wanted to eliminate one step in the process. It doesn't sound like many/any have done this.

 

ejv8s10
How much was removed from your Del Sol cover? Did the upper cover still protect the belt?

 

I just wanna say, I run no upper timing belt cover at all. For atleast 2 years. No problems, whatsoever. Same belt, no vibration, no belt wear or even dirt in the belt compartment. Not telling OP to do this, but for anyone who wanted to go coverless. I never had a problem. 30k miles with no cover.

 

As to what purpose?

 

Stud on the valve cover stripped, my VC is bolted down with 2 bolts and 1 flare nut. It was such a bitch to get it to seal that I totally forgot about the tb cover. And not going to go thru that pita until it leaks again.

I can hear my d16a6 cam a little better though, that and maybe 1 pound weight reduction. Besides that I wouldnt tell anybody to do it.

 

same here. not a good idea but never had problems on any motor iv had. never put the top cover back on. too lazy

 

When I spoke about vibration, was talking about the modified cover rattling in place as the lip wouldn't be there to help hold it and the bottom two bolts would act as a pivot point.

The cover doesn't change motor vibrations any.

 

All that was removed was the lip that fits below the valve cover.
The timing belt is 100% covered (safe).

I have attached a picture (taken from an eBay ad) and colored the removed area in red.

 

There used to be clear covers you could buy on ebay. Then you didn't have to remove anything and inspect daily if you like.

Not sure if the molds are still for sale or any covers.

Actually just found them on aliexpress, so still can get the SOHC D-series clear cam gear covers from China. Damn, for 96-00 only.

Just compared the 92-95 with the 96-00 SOHC covers and they differ significantly.

Next plan of attack is to compare the back upper cover......

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will post pictures if I decide to modify the cover. Maybe there is a product here. In the 70s, I had a Small Block Chevy with a two piece Mr Gasket timing chain cover that make cam changes very easy. Thanks again for the reply.

 

Go for it...whatever makes your life easier.