Front Engine Cover (Part 13035 and 13035+A)
 

I noticed last night that I have a small "chip" broken out of the rear side (13035+A) right on the seam where the two pieces come together. At work now, but can post up a picture when I get home. It's in a spot where it would be impossible for me to have done it by dropping a tool on it or something ... no clue how it got there, or how long it has been there. Car has been running fine, though today is only the second day I have driven it since before winter. If there is a break and a piece missing at the top is it anything to worry about ?

http://www.the370z.com/members/sixpa...-z34-135-1.gif

... here is a shot of the area ...

http://www.the370z.com/members/sixpa...8170-crack.jpg

Thats really strange.....:icon14:

Has the motor ever been opened or the timing cover taken off? If not, that's really wierd. Maybe just hit it with some rtv and see if that's all you needed to do?

Never been opened ... I am the only owner ... 4 years old and just hit 19,000 miles ... I am clueless how or when that got there. I am guessing recently though because I am anal and am constantly looking at everything. I think that front piece is just like a giant dust and water shield to protect the timing stuff so I suppose I should just be able to RTV the hole and press on ?

I was hoping the crack wasn't creating from something inside hitting it so it broke not from me dropping something on it from the outside, but fromsoemthng hitting it on the inside. But I think if something inside hit it then I wouldn't even be able to start it. Runs fine.

that is not a chip it is one of the prey locations to seperate the two halves your case is perfectly fine also the front cover is sealed to contain the oil for the timing chains, it is not just a dust shield like on a car with a timing belt. lots of oil get sprayed inside that case. but again that is one of the factory pry locations on the vhr they all have a "chip" there

Good to know thanks ... I am guessing that there should be RTV covering it though ? Maybe the piece there fell off and exposed the hole.

most dont have rtv in that slot there is a pathway cut into the cover seam the rtv follows and it is below that notch.