Cam Belt Cover - Can this be removed to inspect & run the engine

[Tidybuoy]

I'm just wondering - is it safe for me to remove the black cam belt cover and run the engine - I'd like to inspect and see if anything is loose.

My belts were replaced 15k miles ago but I've got a rattle coming from somewhere and I can't seem to figure out where it's coming from.

Also, if the answer is yes - any special tips would be appreciated.

Thanks........Vern

[rudidelange]

yes you can, but it might not give you the right answer. The dust cover is to keep the dust away from the rollers and belts. Bearing in the rollers will give a high pitched noice. You will have to remove the belts and check the individual rollers for bearing wear. A loose belt / broken cover might touch each other - if so then you will see the marks on the cover.

[Lapponia]

I did this a week ago after I had changed water pump, belts and rollers. I ran engine without generator belt refitted. Of course everything was screaming very loud because too hard a tension on balance shaft belt. Slackend it a little and all was good again. A too loose cambelt will rub against itself near waterpump pulley and I think this is the reason for fitting the cam-belt guide on later cars. I donīt have it thogh in my -84 944. I think you need a retension and you can look at the belts, rollers and pulleys as they run around, but keep fingers and scattered tools away from it. Good luck.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lapponia

[Razorback1980]

Sure.