Hey all! I am in the middle of a VERY frustrating engine swap in my 97 Dakota 318. - After many hours of frustration, I have concluded it's necessary to leave out the little tin plate "inspection cover" that's between the engine and transmission... does anyone know if there's really any serious problem to running without it? I do realize a little dirt and such could get up in there, but... is there really a honest problem?

 

No. Leave it off, no problem.
Even the trans shop I go to leaves them off.
Never heard of any problems.

 

Thank you! I was about to pull out every hair I have, LOL