Warren928

Tony,

Very good idea, what would it cost to get one from you? I like that setup, we should also talk about upgrading anything that touches the timing belt for increased reliability. Please look at the "Waterpump/tensioner upgrade" post, there's talk of better grade parts being developed.

Randy V

Yeah - now that I think about it a bit more, I'm liking the idea of a wire mesh 'cage' instead of plastic. Use large enough wire grid and you'd be able to see through it easily, it would be relatively sturdy and dirt, grime and heat will not render it useless.

Because it will be much more 'forgiving' than plastic, it would not need the close tolerances required for proper alignment of the attachment points.

ErnestSw

Tony,
What about the idea of setting up the system with a kill switch activated through a relay? The tension warning system doesn't protect from catastrophic failure, but a mechanically interrupted system something like yours might.

Tony

COST? I don't even have it built yet, although i had the brainstorm years ago and posted it here also at sometime. The design is 80% there though.

Its simple enough anyone can do it really.
I've got a few other priorities on my car now, but ill probably get to it soon. Ideally you would want it all attached to the inside of the t-belt cover so when it is bolted down, it is in the correct position. Out of site , out of mind. All you need is 2 connections on the outside...one for input..then another for output to the stock sensor as normal.

Ernest...perhaps just wire it to the LH...EZK or fuel pump relay etc etc in the same manner you would a fuse. DONE

IMHO..this may have saved Dave from a Tbelt "anomaly"

Roger

This thread sounds like it's becoming a "wish list" for the timing belt covers. With that in mind, how about this.

1. Use the original belt covers with large sections cut out...replaced by a lexan window.
This would allow for visual inspection while keeping the tooling costs down.

2. Here's a feature that everyone would love....how about a built in belt tension checker. Probably like a strategically placed hole on the belt cover where some type of measurement tool can be insetted without the removal of the main cover. In addition to an access panel where you can adjust the tension of the belt.

Roger

JKelly

I've made a few different objects with Acrylic and Lexan and it is my experience that this type of plastic warps relatively easy without a lot of heat. With a little more heat, it acts like a Shrinky-Dink (anyone ever play with those? ) and starts to contract. If the part was made out of Lexan, I think it would have to be 1/4" or more thick.

Old & New

An automatic kill switch on the timing belt circuit might sound good, but there are times when you would not want the car to cut out on you. Yes, I would rather make the final decision to kill the engine, regardless of the consequences.

Tony, nice idea; like the brake wear sensors...

bcdavis

What about a larger plastic "sight hole" for viewing the belt?
Maybe a 3x1" plastic rectangle window on the side, or top?

Or a mesh portion, to see the belt? Maybe just the top half?

I think clear plastic could work.
They make clear distributor caps, so you can see the sparks, the points, etc.
Those last fine for quite a few years. And if it was not too horribly expensive,
you could still replace the covers from time to time.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/wcsstore/jc...che/I25686.gif

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...p-6279/c-10101

AO

If you really want a "view port" why not just drill a BF hole (about 1") in the covers and then get a rubber stopper and jam it in there! I've got an 82, so I guess I really don't care too much if I have a failure as I it wouldn't be catastrophic - a PITA for sure, just not deadly.

ErnestSw

Old & New,
For the regukar timing belt warning circuit I think I'd rather make the decision myself too. However, for a catastrophic failure warning circuit I'd rather have a cut off for the engine.
Come to think of it, the inertia of the engine would probably do the valves if the belt exploded.

heinrich

Tony .. hmmm ... yes I want that too. But by the time the belt shreds, isn't it too late? Tension must surely be the best warning? I'm thinking looking at Dave's pics that his cam gears are way beyond what should be allowed.... perhaps an electric circuit through those? But then of course there are so many causes for tbelt failure ... could be shaft play on the water pump too, or a seized roller. I expect the only way to prevent failure is to see the belt a la 944 ... no covers (they make a mod to theirs and leave the covers off).

Warren928

Tony,

i was thinking that there was some sort of internal custom bracket or wire loom that would need to be developed to hold the wiring in a sturdy fashion.

Those plastic distributor caps are proof that there is plastic available that would work just fine.

We need contacts for getting quotes on aluminum covers and plastic ones.

If there are any dentists on the rennlist, I would attempt to make a mold from a dental form and then make a prototype out of a clear resin of some sort. Any suggestions on the resin types?

Steve J.

I had some bad oil leaks on the '78 and the entire engine was covered with grime. When I pulled the timing belt covers, it was clean and dry underneath. I don't think the mesh idea would afford enough protection from liquids, whether rain mist, oil leaks or a blown power steering hose. A good warning system should indicate that something is up with the belt long before it starts shredding or walking off the cam sprockets. Maybe a belt failure is preceded by abnormally high temps at various locations that could be detected?

Nicole

This sounds like a great invention, Tony! And maybe there could be multiple dimensions in this warning system - like, if the belt moves sideways in certain critical places.

in regards to the timing belt cover - what is the reason why it is closed and not a mseh? Probaby to keep the dirt out. How hard would it be to make or modify a cover with easily removable"sub-covers" or "windows" (tempered glass, maybe)?

I wish it was easier to convert to a chain based design. I think that would also save a little space in the front of the engine - no? You super charging guys would probably appreciate that...

Warren928

So far we got 24 people who would buy some kind of transparent cover over our timing belt, and with some new inventions we could also incorporate:

1) A timing belt fraying sensor wire
2) Timing belt compartment temp sensor (or maybe a sensor that could be fixed on a metal part like a tensioner arm, that would absorb enough heat to indicate an abnormal condition.)

The plastic cover with access doors is still sounding better for a couple of reasons:
1)Rain getting on the belt and causing slippage
2) A belt drive accessory component failing and spewing parts or oil onto the timing belt area.