So I guess I popped a hole in my timing belt COVER. WTF?

[Riders of Lohan]

OK so I have no idea how this happened or how long it's been there

I look under the hood all the time at this thing and have a hard time I would have missed it.

Is this a critical part that would need to be replaced? Or is it just cosmetic?

I don't recall hearing anything. It runs OK and I don't notice any vibrations or anything that would suggest something behind it is responsible for the damage.

It also appears that the cover was broken "in" rather than "out" and that raises the question of where the rest of the plastic is....

Thanks all

 

[Riders of Lohan]

jesus.

resizing

 

[LittleCaesar]

If it tore from the inside out, then that piece may be long gone.

That said, I'd take off at least the upper cover and take a thorough look soon, very soon.