Purpose of alternator and a/c covers

[Turbowned]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering: what is the purpose of the covers for the alternator and a/c compressor? Is it to protect the belts somehow or is it for safety? Generally a timing belt is completely covered so as to limit wear and tear from the elements, but it looks to me that the alt. and a/c covers were designed so a technician wouldn't skin their knuckes on the pulleys if they had their hands in the engine bay with the car running. Am I correct in thinking this?

[FrX]

Also probably partly to keep the belts from slinging crap onto the underside of the hood.

[mobybrz]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Am I correct in thinking this?

That was my assessment and they were removed for a weight savings of 2.8lbs (that includes the snap on badge on the intake manifold and the underhood blanket). I was a little concerned about debris so I waxed the underside of the hood...please don't judge...but it has been clean everytime I opened it and it's been about 500 miles. Just be careful to reroute and secure the MAF harness and the AC compressor clutch harness.

(pic: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29100)

[Rayme]

Originally Posted by FrX

Also probably partly to keep the belts from slinging crap onto the underside of the hood.

Bingo, I had a car with its alternator belt was uncovered and you should have seen the skid mark under the hood! It was a 90 celica. I also must point this this car's hood was some HEAVY CRAP!