Hey all, just acquired a 1988 gl10 awd wagon 1.8 turbo, the problem is a cracked head or blown head gasket .The previous owner did the timing belt 1000 miles ago but stripped the plastic covering bolts. Any ideas on how to over come this?. The cover on the passenger side is melted on the bottom slightly, this is where I cannot get the bolts out. Also found the turbo to be cracked where the waste gate actuates. Is that a problem or something to ignore?

Dont bother putting the covers back on and yes, you need a new turbo.

so leave the covers off the timing belt? that a good idea?

Its done all the time. Unless you plan on doing some rough offroading, or deep snow plowing you really dont need them.

If you want them back on, just use zip-ties to keep them on.

I plan to discard mine when I go in after a leaky front main seal. if you are on the street dump them it makes belt maintenance really easy.