OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Le Claire Ia
OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER
In October, I had the Chevy dealer replace a leaking water pump. Then I put the car away for the winter. Not long after, I noticed a puddle of oil under the car. I took it back in and they diagnosed an oil leak around the timing cover (possibly the front of the intake). They want $900 for the fix! I told them to forget it for now, but it's eating at me. Did they screw something up when they changed the water pump? Any other thoughts? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Tampa Florida
Re: OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER (tcarroll)
The only oil gasket/seal they would have contact with is the waterpump drive seal on the cast timing cover. About the size of half dollar and cost 6 bucks or so. That could have been damaged during installation of the drive coupling, but sort of doubt it.
If the front intake manifold seal is leaking (this is common LT1/LT4 problem) then that is a relatively easy fix. Does mean removing the intake manifold and resealing it. If you can handle a ratchet and torque wrench-you can do it in an afternoon with some 40 dollar gaskets and black RTV. Mine leaked when I purchased it-4 hours later-no leak for last 8000 miles.
If the front intake manifold seal is leaking (this is common LT1/LT4 problem) then that is a relatively easy fix. Does mean removing the intake manifold and resealing it. If you can handle a ratchet and torque wrench-you can do it in an afternoon with some 40 dollar gaskets and black RTV. Mine leaked when I purchased it-4 hours later-no leak for last 8000 miles.
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From: Le Claire Ia
Re: OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER (No Go)
Thanks, No Go. Is it possible to check for a leak at the front of the manifold by removing the air intake? Sounds like a much easier fix than the timing cover.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Jackson MI
Re: OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER (tcarroll)
I just replaced my crank seal on the timing chain cover today and it took me about 5 hours. The pain is removing the waterpump, distributor and harmonic balancer. The mechanic shouldn't have done anything to the timing chaing cover for a water pump replacement if he knew what he was doing. But it's really hard to see the cover if it is leaking. Good Luck.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER (tcarroll)
Your chevy dealer screwed something up during the reinstallation of the water pump. They kinked the water pump seal. I know this because it happened to me by another shop. They ended up re-doing it for $100, they said they cut me a break from the $400 it would have been, but I think they should have paid for the whole thing considering they installed it wrong to begin with.
Heres my story: I had my hot cam installed, 2 months later, I see a couple drops of oil on the ground every time I move the car. It got worse.
Turns out the shop that did my work kinked the water pump shaft seal during reinstallation on the timing chain cover. Oil came out around it. GM makes a special tool (the part number is in service manuals) that looks like a thimble that goes over the seal while you are reinstalling the timing chaing cover. After you reinstall it, you take the tool out. My guess is the tech that worked on your car didn't use this.
Stick to your guns, I'd even take it to small claims court if you had to. When they take it apart ask to keep the kinked seal. Use that as evidence....Good luck!
Heres my story: I had my hot cam installed, 2 months later, I see a couple drops of oil on the ground every time I move the car. It got worse.
Turns out the shop that did my work kinked the water pump shaft seal during reinstallation on the timing chain cover. Oil came out around it. GM makes a special tool (the part number is in service manuals) that looks like a thimble that goes over the seal while you are reinstalling the timing chaing cover. After you reinstall it, you take the tool out. My guess is the tech that worked on your car didn't use this.
Stick to your guns, I'd even take it to small claims court if you had to. When they take it apart ask to keep the kinked seal. Use that as evidence....Good luck!
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From: Le Claire Ia
Re: OIL LEAK...TIMING COVER (dizwiz24)
Thanks, Diz. You would think a Chevy dealer would know better, especially one that specializes in Corvettes. If this is really the problem, I smell a nightmare trying to prove it. If they're like most dealers, they'll try to cover the tech's error at my expanse. I won't be under there with him.
