Cutting lower timing cover?

[SmoothCustomer]

All I need to do is change an ofh, and I'm not going to take off the whole timing cover to do it. I was just wondering if you guys think it's really risky to cut a small notch away where the 4th ofh bolt is. I have drawn lines roughly where the notch goes. Basically I won't be cutting anything further in that section that the timing belt viewing window, it will just be in a different place.

 

[Terry Posten]

I did that. Just be careful not to get the scrap into the belt area.

 

[SmoothCustomer]

Right that's exactly what i was thinking. Ok, cool thanks!

 

[89Mirageman]

I would just pull the cover and do it the right way. Its not that hard to do. With that part of the cover gone you run the risk of water or a small pebble getting in there. Remember this, do the job right and you only have to do it once.

Edit, now I see what you mean. I thought you were going to cut the lower section of the cover off, not the part behind the pulley.

 

I have a pic that may help you, hang on a few minutes....

I could swear that I put a tape measure up to it and snapped a pic but I guess I didn't, this is what I do have. Hope it helps.

 

[SmoothCustomer]

Yeah I think it will be fine. I already cut it and no bad luck so far.

 

[belize1334]

I was gonna say that instead of cutting a notch you could cut a hole to access the bolt but leave the edge intact. That would maintain more structural rigidity while still giving access. Also, it would probably be a good idea to cover the exposed area with some kind of tape, possible even replacement the cut out piece and taping or gluing it back in place.