Sup fellas? Tossing up a few ideas for the finish of my engine. I thought about runnin without the belt covers, but im pretty sure that's illegal. and I have to pass the pits. What I'm thinking about now, is to cut a whole over the top of each of the two middle gears, so that the belt is covered but the gears are visible. Can someone tell me if this is legal or not, from memory I've not seen it done before. Cheers, Gaz
I think you have answered the question yourself, but there is no legal reason for them to be covered under the ADRs. The ADRs call for the "rotating assembly" to be covered to protect, and the arguement can be mounted that a closed bonnet does that. However with out an engineer's assessment you will have a tall order to describe to the pit inspectors why you modifications don't change the car's compliance. I have just read the latest article at www.autospeed.com on the automotive modificationm and have decided to help and motivate to do any thing I can to ensure the car enthusist world remains alive. As an little bit of encouragement, whilst engineering certificate for modifications do cost a little they are legally binding (ie. you completely legal for all modifications), and it might be advisable to do them collectively noting that you have a bit planned. Let us know if you need any help. Cheers Dave
Cheers mate, that does clear up a bit. This was my idea anyway; I might just get a spare set and put them on after the roadworthy.
Its a very flimsy argument indeed, as a closed bonnet does not constitute as covering the rotating assembly in any way whatsoever. The laws are designed to protect all, including people like mechanics who could reasonably be found working under the bonnet. It is reasonable to suggest that as the bonnet can be opened by others like a mechanic in the course of there duties or even a police officer inspecting your vehicle and it is not covered in a permanent way which is the context of the argument, unlike a timing cover that must actually be unbolted and is not opened in the normal course of activities (it is considered a permanent cover). The RTA may not spell it out in the particular sentence applied, but it can be spelled out in other federal books like OHS which supersede it being federal law. Commmonsense should prevail over all and you cannot cheat your way around the books spelling or context intended. You would also be pushing to find an engineer that would sign off to it as they probably wouldnt put there certificate on the line to back it. Its really just illegal how ever you look at it. If you want to see the gears - get a clear see through polycarbonate cover, but feedback from others here is that they can go off colour over time. Sorry to dampen the mood on it, but dont want to see you end up with trouble after the effort to do it. Regards
I was going to say the same as someone else you can get clear ones but only if you have something, colour or special to show ie coloured adjustable cams gears etc
Mine failed a roadworthy in Vic with them exposed. Reason: nor safe for anyone working on the car. Might've been a dodgy mechanic.
Was listed as 1 of the defects on mine. Had it cleared directly via a Qld Department of Transport vehicle inspector.
Popo looked at my exposed CG's & didn't say shit about them. Just kept asking me if it was "A track day car?" To which I replied "I wish!!" :br:
They ARE NOT illegal in Victoria. Someone posted up a link to a Vic Roads flyer a while back and i have printed it out and keep it in my glove box. Vic roads send them out monthly to r.w.c mechanics to dispel rumours. Great idea. Cheers Dave
Ah, yep, kind of the same as what I'd be doing, except mine would be more covered. Maybe I'll just give it a go, if it passes with them I guess it could save getting yellowed for it in the future (doubt it though).
And if a mechanic or someone who has to inspect/work under the bonnet, injures or looses fingers, what would the law suit look like. How much can you, the owner be prepared to loose? Click the link for the reason to have the belt and "pinch" points covered. http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306530
It is are fretted arguement either way. As such, based on misszen assessment why is there no covers on fan belts. I agree it is not a good idea to leave exposed belts, but this is his own car and who are we to howl down ideas.
To protect the innocent from harm, else why do we have guards in the first place or laws. Its potentionally dangerous for other people who may need to work on that car. Fan belts are a lot deeper in the engine bay, but the cam belt cogs are at the top. What about the kids at a car show "hey daddy look at this engine....Ow, my fingers" Sure the OP has the right to do what he want to their own car, and if they lose a finger or two we get the right to call him Stumpy.
They can loose a finger in a drive belt.... It's happened at my work. Any one who is silly enough to work on the engine while it is running is silly enough to loose a finger, with or without timing gear covers.
