Timing Gear Cover Leak

[pezzonovante88]

I recently posted about an oil leak where the crankcase and oil pan meet up. Well, I thought thats where my mechanic meant the leak was, but after looking at it myself its actually all along the gap between the timing gear cover and, I suppose, the crankcase(???). Is this a more common leak? What is involved in repairs, assuming the gasket is the culprit?
Thanks and my apologies for my silly mistake and the other post...

Below are a couple of pictures showing the area the leak is coming from. Its very difficult to see anything from the photos, though.

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10481

[DMCMW Dave]

I recently posted about an oil leak where the crankcase and oil pan meet up. Well, I thought thats where my mechanic meant the leak was, but after looking at it myself its actually all along the gap between the timing gear cover and, I suppose, the crankcase(???). Is this a more common leak? What is involved in repairs, assuming the gasket is the culprit?
]

Much more common, and easier to fix. Remove the muffler, then the crank pulley and A/C pulleys and alternator tensioner. Take off the timing cover and replace the gasket. If you are careful you can leave the valve covers on but you might need to get some valve cover gaskets to cut up. Better to take them off too. Replace the crank seal at the same time.

[pezzonovante88]

Much more common, and easier to fix. Remove the muffler, then the crank pulley and A/C pulleys and alternator tensioner. Take off the timing cover and replace the gasket. If you are careful you can leave the valve covers on but you might need to get some valve cover gaskets to cut up. Better to take them off too. Replace the crank seal at the same time.

Okay, I'll have to order everything and get it fixed sooner than later. Thanks Dave.

[David T]

Make sure the motor is not overfilled with oil. That can make things leak or leak faster. Depending on how bad you may not want to mess with it. If it is just wet you might want to leave it alone but if it is dripping then you should plan on fixing it soon. It is not as bad a job as removing the pan but sometimes getting the crank pulley off can be difficult.
David Teitelbaum

[pezzonovante88]

Make sure the motor is not overfilled with oil. That can make things leak or leak faster. Depending on how bad you may not want to mess with it. If it is just wet you might want to leave it alone but if it is dripping then you should plan on fixing it soon. It is not as bad a job as removing the pan but sometimes getting the crank pulley off can be difficult.
David Teitelbaum

Right now its just slightly wet. I'll add more oil tomorrow if needed, and keep an eye on it. Thank you.

[mluder]

Much more common, and easier to fix. Remove the muffler, then the crank pulley and A/C pulleys and alternator tensioner. Take off the timing cover and replace the gasket. If you are careful you can leave the valve covers on but you might need to get some valve cover gaskets to cut up. Better to take them off too. Replace the crank seal at the same time.

Slightly off topic - maybe just clarification, Dave.

I have freshly cleaned, blasted, and newly painted rocker covers and timing cover. I'd like to replace my beat up old ones as part of a water pump replacement/VOD cleaning. I recal that the shop manual talks about methods for removing the timing cover or rocker covers needing a special tool to maintain tension on the timing chain. Would this be necessary in my case or the topic of this thread (leaking gasket)?

Thanks,
Steve

[Delorean Industries]

We no longer use the factory style gasket on this. Modern gasket makers are the way to go. Permatex right stuff will never leak. Since the valve covers are a normal interval service item for valve adjustments the regular gaskets should be used.

[DMCMW Dave]

I recal that the shop manual talks about methods for removing the timing cover or rocker covers needing a special tool to maintain tension on the timing chain.
Thanks,
Steve

You will not be taking the chains off, only the covers. Leave the chains/tensioners alone and nobody gets hurt!:smile:

[mluder]

You will not be taking the chains off, only the covers. Leave the chains/tensioners alone and nobody gets hurt!:smile:

Thanks, Dave. Good to know because I was concerned about whether or not I would be able to make the switch.

So... to replace the rocker arm covers and timing chain cover it's really just an unbolt, clean surface, new gasket, install?
Piece of cake.

Cheers.
Steve

[DMCMW Dave]

Thanks, Dave. Good to know because I was concerned about whether or not I would be able to make the switch.

So... to replace the rocker arm covers and timing chain cover it's really just an unbolt, clean surface, new gasket, install?
Piece of cake.

Cheers.
Steve

Yep - unless you get one of the rare ones where the bolts get rusty.

And you have to move the A/C compressor, pulleys (don't forget the 102820 o-ring), frequency valve, warmup regulator, and upper muffler brackets all out of the way. The water pump stays in place.

[mluder]

Yep - unless you get one of the rare ones where the bolts get rusty.

And you have to move the A/C compressor, pulleys (don't forget the 102820 o-ring), frequency valve, warmup regulator, and upper muffler brackets all out of the way. The water pump stays in place.

Well, Iwas planning on doing it as part of a necessary water pump replacing anyway. Also going to go in to the VOD while I'm there and possibly pain the whole block and maybe the engine compartment - In for a dime, in for a dollar I guess.

Cheers.
Steve

[kings1527]

Hey Steve,

How did this project go? Pretty simple? I'm about to undertake replacing the water pump along with replacing the timing cover seal and was wondering. Thanks!

Alex
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