timing chain cover removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood Ar
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'19
timing chain cover removal
My water pump went out and "while i was in there" i decided to replace the harmonic balancer since the outer ring was slightly off kilter. And "while i was in there" i figured i ought to put in a new front oil seal since it was leaking and was probably the culprit in the balancer going bad. Well "while i was in there" i figured i might as well remove the timing chain cover and replace that gasket and seal as well. I not sure if it leaks but I'd hate to get it all put back together and find out it does. Anyway, i've heard 3 different opinions about whether i should remove the cover. One guy says hell no, that i'd have to drop the oil pan to get it back on, Two guy says there'll be no problem and Three guy says no problem but i'll have to cut 2 metal "ears" off the cover to replace it. Any other opinions or suggestions? Thanks. (It's an 81 by the way.)
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
From: Aberdeen NC
I have pulled my cover off twice in the last month to install a cam and later to take the thing out. I have a 82 and you do not have to drop the oil pan to replace the timing cover seals and gaskets. When you buy the new timing cover set you will need to shave the ends off the rubber piece that slides over the oil pan... The instruction provided will tell you how. I will say that it is a pain in the butt trying to get the cover back on with the oil pan still in place but the proper placement of the timing cover it will slide in place. Also, while your in there, I suggest replaceing your timimg chain and gears... $12.00 a set for new ones and I'm sure yours is showing wear. Off course you'll need a gear puller for the lower timing chain gear.
Worst comes to worst reuse the old rubber portion of the timimg cover set... this ones is much easier to put back on and with a bead of silicone it wont leak.
Worst comes to worst reuse the old rubber portion of the timimg cover set... this ones is much easier to put back on and with a bead of silicone it wont leak.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Hershey Pa
I just completed my engine build and the timing chain cover definately lipped under the oil pan. I put the timing cover on first then I mounted the oil pan with silicone and the rubber seal that lays in the timing chain groove to seal.
There may be a cut and paste way to do it but my guess is that you'd only be creating a leaky situation.
There may be a cut and paste way to do it but my guess is that you'd only be creating a leaky situation.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood Ar
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'19
Thanks for the replies. I talked with One guy again and he argues that it's very unlikely that the timing cover gasket is leaking and that if there is a leak it is the seal between the oil pan and cover and that if that is the case it will be a lot easier to later drop the oil pan and replace that seal. Thanks again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
The cover can go back without dropping the pan (but personally while I was there I would drop the pan and put a $25 oil pump and screen in it). You can take 2 small screwdrivers and pry the cover down and onto the dowels and bolt it down. You can also clean the oil pan lip and the timing cover very well and lay a large bead of silicone in there and install it, that works fine too but it's not as pretty.
