Searched and found 2 old threads from '05 where someone was experiencing this; thought I'd post in case there are people like me who are just getting into the wonderful world of the Evo and buy a modded car- something to check.

Got ready to leave yesterday and heard a tapping sound when I started the car. Fairly easy to see that it's coming from the timing belt side, scary as hell. I touched the cover and it got louder, and I could actually feel the bolts grazing a high point, so I knew instantly what it was; what a relief.



Doubt I'll spring for the clear cover yet; maybe on down the road. Guess it's time to break out the dremel.

 

You could cut out holes the size of the cam gear. People do that when they have adjustable gears so they don't have to remove the cover if they want to adjust the timing but it stills covers the timing belt. I've been trying to find a picture, but I can't.

 

I thought about that (especially since the gears made a template for it!) - but is there still some risk for debris to enter and ruin your day?

edit: nice photography!

 

Yes, I guess there is still a chance, but any aftermarket cover is going to have the same clearance. I know the Evo IX covers have extra clearance for the intake cam gear due to MIVEC, but I don't think the exhaust gear clearance is any different.

And thank you

 

You will reduce the risk significantly if the holes are just enough to access the adjustment bolts. While the cams are spinning NOTHING will get in there. Leaving the entire cover off is a whole different story.

 

BTW, I am in East Birmingham area. Where about are you in AL?

 

I work in Huntsville, live about 30mi south. I used to live in Inverness myself.

I actually put an e-mail in to Mellon myself. I really like this car, but it seems I'm getting some knock (flashing CEL), but I just downloaded the ROM via ECUFlash and it doesn't appear to have the Tephra patch. I'd like to get a new tune to be safe.

 

Is this with the stock cams and cam gears?

Stock parts should not touch.

The fidanze cam gears will rub on the cover. I imagine most aftermarket gears will.

 

Should have specified; HKS 272's + Fidanza gears.

 

Yup. U run that combo too and they rub until I cut two nice circular holes on the side.

 

Ended up using a 4.5" grinder last night to take all the ribbing off. No tapping now