Timing Cover Gasket
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Timing Cover Gasket
1984 Corvette.
I changed the timing chain, and I'm ready to put the cover back on. I know I need to use RTV where the timing cover meets the oil pan. Do I need to coat the whole timing cover gasket with RTV, or can I just install it dry? If I have to use RTV, how long do you let it dry before installing the cover? In case it matters, I dropped the oil pan to make the cover easier to remove and install, and to go ahead and replace the pan gasket. Both surfaces are completely clean and free of any old gasket material and oil.
I also installed the new seal on the cover, and I know I need to oil the seal prior to installing as well.
I want to make absolutely sure it seals, as I don't want to tear it down twice. This job isn't particularly fun.
TIA
I changed the timing chain, and I'm ready to put the cover back on. I know I need to use RTV where the timing cover meets the oil pan. Do I need to coat the whole timing cover gasket with RTV, or can I just install it dry? If I have to use RTV, how long do you let it dry before installing the cover? In case it matters, I dropped the oil pan to make the cover easier to remove and install, and to go ahead and replace the pan gasket. Both surfaces are completely clean and free of any old gasket material and oil.
I also installed the new seal on the cover, and I know I need to oil the seal prior to installing as well.
I want to make absolutely sure it seals, as I don't want to tear it down twice. This job isn't particularly fun.
TIA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland fl
I dont use RTV. I like the form a gasket stuff, or the gasket shelac(sp?) I use a little of the form a gasket thick stuff that comes in a tube (about a third size of tooth paste tube) in the corners, and I coat the engine block and timing cover sealing surface with a light coat of the shelac. Sorry I dont have specific brand names in front of me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
1984 Corvette.
I changed the timing chain, and I'm ready to put the cover back on. I know I need to use RTV where the timing cover meets the oil pan. Do I need to coat the whole timing cover gasket with RTV, or can I just install it dry? If I have to use RTV, how long do you let it dry before installing the cover? In case it matters, I dropped the oil pan to make the cover easier to remove and install, and to go ahead and replace the pan gasket. Both surfaces are completely clean and free of any old gasket material and oil.
I also installed the new seal on the cover, and I know I need to oil the seal prior to installing as well.
I want to make absolutely sure it seals, as I don't want to tear it down twice. This job isn't particularly fun.
TIA
I changed the timing chain, and I'm ready to put the cover back on. I know I need to use RTV where the timing cover meets the oil pan. Do I need to coat the whole timing cover gasket with RTV, or can I just install it dry? If I have to use RTV, how long do you let it dry before installing the cover? In case it matters, I dropped the oil pan to make the cover easier to remove and install, and to go ahead and replace the pan gasket. Both surfaces are completely clean and free of any old gasket material and oil.
I also installed the new seal on the cover, and I know I need to oil the seal prior to installing as well.
I want to make absolutely sure it seals, as I don't want to tear it down twice. This job isn't particularly fun.
TIA
For the cover to pan sealing (which is where leaks most often occur) the most fool-proof way is to use a one piece oil pan gasket; not the four piece variety. With the one piece gasket, no additional sealant is used, in fact, the directions specifically recommend against using any sealant.
Jake
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Jake....thanks, but too late. Already bought the 4 piece gasket set from GM. I'm gonna use some High Tack sealant on the gasket surfaces, and RTV around the oil pan junction.
Unriced....the job wouldn't be so bad....If I was 20 years younger. Staying hunched over the car for extended periods just doesn't sit well with my spinal column any more
At any rate, the car isn't a daily driver, so I'm taking my time and working on it a couple hours at a time. I'm glad I changed the timing chain though....the old one had about an inch of slop in either direction, I kid you not. I'm surprised it hadn't jumped a tooth yet.
Thanks for all the tips guys.
Unriced....the job wouldn't be so bad....If I was 20 years younger. Staying hunched over the car for extended periods just doesn't sit well with my spinal column any more
At any rate, the car isn't a daily driver, so I'm taking my time and working on it a couple hours at a time. I'm glad I changed the timing chain though....the old one had about an inch of slop in either direction, I kid you not. I'm surprised it hadn't jumped a tooth yet.
Thanks for all the tips guys.
