There wasn’t that much pressure on the “spacer” I installed. The clutch / belt housing moves pretty easy if you try to tweak it in one direction or another. The guess is even with the small amount of pressure on the spacer it was the engine vibration and harmonics that used the dirt as a rubbing compound to “mill” the hole after 3-4 months usage. I believe the “spacer” was Lexan, a very durable plastic. I don’t think rubber would have had the same effect, although rubber might have worn through to the bolt underneath to cause problems.

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FloodRunner, on the Wisconsin River

 

this problem is really very common.i am surprised it has not been posted before. heat warps this plastic cover. the best way to fix it without buying a new cover is to take it off and find where it is rubbing, then take a heat gun and heat the spot "carefully". then push it out just enough to make it stop rubbing. most of the time you can only do the spot one time because it will make it thin there. beats buying a new cover.