Painting Scrappy and motor question?

[nlovern]

Hi everyone,
Nathan here. starting to paint frame and other parts and the motor and had a question. I wont be using scrappy a lot only on dry days, can I run the motor without the timing covers and the heat shield behind each pulley ? Im going to paint the pulleys body color to.
Whats the best cheapest place to get timing belts? Money is always a thing with me. I wish I had lots to put into Scrappy. Hope to get frame,back wheel and motor painted this weekend.
The Easter possum will be here on sunday.
Thanks,
Nathan Lovern,Va

[HawkeyeGL1200]

I would NOT run the engine without timing belt covers on it, unless it were to complete it (for some reason) before taking it out of the garage. It would be possible for any kind of debris.. tiny stones, sand, gravel, sticks, birds, bugs... to get between the pulley(s) and the belts which would be really bad... It would be my luck that I'd get my hand caught up in the belts somehow and it would end my riding days..

So far, the best deal on Gates brand belts I've found has been at RockAuto.com
Double check me... I'm showing the part number for GL1100 Timing Belt as a Gates Part # T274. RockAuto has them for $12.40 each (need two). That's where I've been buying my parts when they have them. Your local Auto Parts store may have them as well.

[dingdong]

I agree with Hawkeye. I wouldn't run without the covers. That said you are going to get replies from folks who do run without them and have had no issues. You have to decide for yourself if the risk is worth it.

Tom

[CMReynolds1]

I am in agreement with the others. Think what you can lose. If something was to get caught in the belt and cause it to either come off or just jump a tooth or two, there goes your motor! To me it is not worth the risk. But as the other gentleman said, it is your call.
Take care.