I am fixing an EJ25 topend after the timing belt broke; 2000 Forester. Any opinions on leaving the timing belt covers off like I have on my EA82 for easier belt replacement in the future?

Thanks

i wouldn't do that on an interference engine.   the sprockets and pulleys rust faster, maybe a bit faster here due to northeast rust if we want to guess it's partially chemical related and not just water exposure.

 

if you replace all the timing components and check it before 100,000 miles, then it would be no big deal.  be nice of the under cover was still in place to protect it from snow, traffic cones, debris, etc.

 

an equally simple approach is to attach them with only two bolts and/or attach them with zipties so you can cut them off in 15 seconds next time. 

Bad idea for interference engine.

Edited October 19, 201411 yr by Gloyale

I think Gloyale meant to say Interference.

 

Agreed, not a good idea on an interference engine. Exposure causes the belt and idlers to age faster. It's also open to sticks and debris getting caught in the belt.

Do you want to pull the heads again and fix more bent valves?

Poor idea. Not only does it protect the belts, but it protects the senros.

Thanks for the advice.