Lemming

As I wonder around the paddock looking over race-prepped cars, I've noticed that many of the front engine water pumpers have removed their belt covers. I assume that this is so that they can be inspected and adjusted more easily. However, I would also think that there is a greater chance of debris getting in with the belts and causing wear. Since I'm in the process of doing my belts and rollers, now seems like a good time to ask this question, should I leave the cover or remove it?

M758

I have mine off on my race car only.

I have run my car at track events since 2000 and never once had any issues with debris in the belts. This includes a number of trips in the desert or grass. I do run the stock under tray however to prevent crap from going in there.


With belts off I check of tension or even a retighten is short job. Also this allows me to check for leaks faster and spot them faster. I never have to spend time pulling the covers if I hear noise either.

On street car you are not doing all those checks so it is better to leave it on.

Lemming

Thanks Joe. I'll likely leave the cover off and put the undertray back on.

moliver

I too leave both covers off, and the undertray on. I like the ease of tensioning and also keeping track of leaks.

RedlineMan

Hey;

I don't really see any con to the covers. If I'm worried about leaks, I should do better maintenance before I get to the track. What I'm worried about is crap getting in there, and some amazing junk can get in there. I run with the engine tray - of course - and I also have to covers on. I have modded my top cover, cutting the top part off so that I can do a visual/feel test whenever I want.

Knowing the crazy things that can happen, I feel better with my belts protected.

Ski

Our covers are off on the track car too. I'm building a spare street engine and I'm debating about the covers... I'm leaning toward leaving them off simply because I like em off but that's just me and my car's only duty is about 3500 fun good weather miles a year.

APKhaos

Belt covers on, based only on the principle that $h!t happens, and reducing the opportunities is a good thing.

I dont have belly pans on my car simply because they did not come with the car. Maybe I should go get a set?

RedlineMan

Tony;

The car should run cooler with them on, and will be more aerodynamic. An 89 951 might be going fast enough to get a little aero benefit. They also keep a lot of crap out from under the hood. Like the piece of steel rebar a friend hit on the highway that pierced the tray but did not quite make it into the belt casing!!!

Dave in Chicago

I dunno, but I figure if highly-paid Porsche engineers put a cover on it, then I should leave it alone. Easy enough to pull a few 10mm bolts and check in there as needed.

TRWright

No covers. I have seen too many close calls with even fairly new belts. Run with the belly pan, and there is not much that can happen. I do however have a friend who FAILED tech for a PCA DE because his front belt cover was off. Better check with the authority in your area before you pull them.