Timing Belt Cover

Hi all. Thanks for allowing me to post a message. I have an international student who has bought a 1997 Galant ES. I noticed on the side of the engine that the timing belt cover is broke off in the front, exposing the timing belt. The belt is runnig fine, but I don't want anything to happen to it. I have had 2 different opinions from 2 different mechanics.

The first mechanic told me that I could just unscrew the bolts and pull out the wire plug and then put the new one on. He told me that it clamps together from unerneath on the cover.

Mechanic #2 told me that he would have to remove the motor mounts, raise the engine and then take off the cover and replace the cover. The part is $42.00 plus tax and the labor is $250.00.

Is this something I can change...the cover that is? Not the timing belt. The timing belt looks brand new, but the cover is broke and the front bolt it screws to had a black rubber tube on it and it is off now. My student told me he bought the car from someone who replaced all the valves. I asked him why he didn't refer to the broken timing belt and ask him since the owner had the engine out...why didn't he replace the timing belt cover attached to the side of the engine? He told me that the guy said that it didn't matter if the timing belt was broke and exposing the front side of the timing belt.

Can someone here please explain me to who I should trust? If I can just take the cover off and replace it or have the motor mounts removed, etc. I am able to do a lot of things...like spark plugs, throttle position sensor..etc.. But changing a belt? I don't know...but if the cover is easy to change I know I can do that. I see three bolts on the black cover. 2 on top and 1 on bottom.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Teresa :)

I think it hold up with three screws, just open them and put the new one in. Or go to any auto store who have book and if they let you look how it was done that will be great