While replacing the timing belts, i removed the timing cover and noticed that a belt had worn thru the plastic timing cover (see photo). Does anyone know why this would happen and how to fix? Thanks for any advice.

 

Harmonic Balancer or Crankshaft pulley is causing this. Either pulley is worn/wobbling or crankshaft is wandering in/out. Also possible that cover was not fully seated to rear timing belt cover.

I found this on my 1994 Accord EX and repaired the damage (not as severe as yours). I used J&B epoxy and ripstop nylon. Clean surfaces thoroughly, roughen, and use strips of nylon w/ epoxy completely embedded in nylon. Cover holes and build w/ additional layers as needed. Allow to dry/harden, sand, and paint black.

Yours should be repairable. However, you should be able to find a used part on ebay or local salvage yard.

good luck

 

Texas Honda nailed it. Looks like something was out of balance or loose, probably the crank pulley it looks like.

 

If the timing cover was properly seated, & not warped much, it means something wrong with your crankshaft pulley. There's actually a layer of hard rubber between the pulley and it's hub. Check that carefully, make sure it's not slipping or anything.

 

I have to go off in left field again...wish "desert" was still around.

I have seen where the washer around the tensioner bolt not being in place will allow the cover to "bow" out over time. This will allow either the belt and or the pulley to wear into the cover.

Where the timing tensioner bolt "pokes" thru the cover there should be a gasket/o-ring. This holds the cover to/around the shaft of the bolt. Some "poor" people have actually used an "e-clip" of the proper size around the bolt shoulder to hold the cover back......

Again, I go off the deep end. Get a new cover, be sure the washer I spoke of around the tensioner bolt is there and replace. Then check the crank pulley or seating of the crank pulley for issues.

 

When I had my 95 Accord years ago, it was due to the harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley. It also wasn't as severe as yours. I had to replace the crankshaft pulley.

 

thanks for everyone's advice. pulleys appear to be okay. gonna install a new shield and hope / see..