Engine Dust Cover

[tomm9050]

I just changed spark plugs (07 HB) and before I reinstall it, are there any pros or cons of not using the engine dust cover?

[tmontague]

There have been reports of water getting into the coil holes causing misfires. That being said most of those cases happened with the cover still on.

No real issues except dirt getting on valve cover as opposed to the dust cover.

I remove mine during the summer and install it again in the winter

This is more for aesthetics as I have my valve cover and coils painted. But that's about it

[CoryM]

I removed mine to let as much heat out. Any heat that stays under there is just making your ignition coils etc hotter, which will shorten their lives (as well as make wires and plastic connectors more likely to crack). The only reason I would consider putting it back on is if I was planning on driving through mud in it..... not likely. Also saves a teeny bit of weight.
Cheers.

[bronsin]

Id put it back to protect the coils from moisture.

[tomm9050]

How would it protect them from moisture? So Cal car, so moisture is not a huge issue.

[bronsin]

I guess if it never rains theres no problem. But the wires going to the coils are pretty exposed under that plastic.

[CoryM]

Another pro would be that rodents are less likely to make their home there with the cover gone. They tend to nibble on things and can get very expensive.

The wires, connectors, and coils are all weather-resistant. The only viable way for water to cause an issue is if it gets under the seals of the coils and into the sparkplug tubes. Again, they are sealed to prevent this. I live in Vancouver BC. If water was an issue, I would definitely know about it.

[tmontague]

Dielectric grease on all electrical connectors, especially the spark plug tubes are a big help.

[bronsin]

Another pro would be that rodents are less likely to make their home there with the cover gone. They tend to nibble on things and can get very expensive..

I ride motorcycles for 40 years and STORING a motorcycle for the winter (when it sits still for a few months) is an open invitation for this to happen. The damage they can do can be devastating. :mad:

For this reason I always recommend, especially if you live in a rural area, you put traps out for the critters. Mice cant resist peanut butter so a spring trap baited with it works a treat. But poison and sticky traps also work good. I recommend all three. Also, check the traps at least weekly and reset if (when) you catch some. If you do catch mice this will alert you to the potential problem and you better take action.

I think it unlikely for this to be a problem for something like a Yaris which is always in use. But if it sits in winter for any length of time....LOOK OUT! :eek:

[fnkngrv]

I haven't used the OEM cover for 5 years

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[bronsin]

Another pro would be that rodents are less likely to make their home there with the cover gone. They tend to nibble on things and can get very expensive.


I just serviced my plugs and there were dried out kernels of corn under the plastic cover! There isn't a farm within 30 miles of my house either.:eek:

[Bluevitz-rs]

I haven't used the OEM cover for 5 years

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Haven't used mine for 10 years. Have never had any problems with water or dirt.

[MUSKOKA800]

I've driven year around with mine removed and have had no issues.
The latest was a MI grey anodized cover adapted for the Blitz S/C. It often made a annoying buzz at idle. Rubber isolating washers didn't help so now it's on the shelf.

[Exiwolfman]

I ride motorcycles for 40 years and STORING a motorcycle for the winter (when it sits still for a few months) is an open invitation for this to happen. The damage they can do can be devastating. :mad:

For this reason I always recommend, especially if you live in a rural area, you put traps out for the critters. Mice cant resist peanut butter so a spring trap baited with it works a treat. But poison and sticky traps also work good. I recommend all three. Also, check the traps at least weekly and reset if (when) you catch some. If you do catch mice this will alert you to the potential problem and you better take action.

I think it unlikely for this to be a problem for something like a Yaris which is always in use. But if it sits in winter for any length of time....LOOK OUT! :eek:
Engine covers for most part are just for cosmetics, hold heat and great place for mice to live I'm running with out one.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S6

[bronsin]

Engine covers for most part are just for cosmetics, hold heat and great place for mice to live I'm running with out one.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S6

Huh I will consider not putting mine back after Im done servicing the plugs.

[mehullica]

It slightly reduces top end engine noises