How do you remove the timing belt cover on a 1996 escort ?

Question

The only way I can see to remove the cover is to break it. Any ideas?

Answer 1

there should be one bolt in the center and two at the top and if you go down further you will find two at the bottom.  In order to fully remove the cover you must pull the crank pulley off so the cover will slide off of the crank shaft.  Check the seal on the cover and the seal that is on the cover where the crank shaft goes.  If you bend the cover you will have problems later on with the belt riding up against the cover and it wont seal properly up against the motor to keep debris and water off of the belt.

Answer 2

it does come off it is hard that pesky mount is in the way

some will trim the cover a little when they put it back in  

Answer 3

sorry... you remove more bolts and pry it out some and if you bend it you get another.. best ideal is get a repair book