Thread: Timing Cover gasket replacement

any easy way to replace one? do i need to remove engine?

Assuming it's in the 97 in your sig.. here's what Bill would do

1. Jack and support at least the passenger side.
2. Pull passenger tire (19mm)
3. Drain coolant and remove lower coolant hose from timing cover.
4. Remove belts (15mm)
5. Remove SC idler pulley and it's stand (Torx and 10mm)
6. Lower ps pump and sit on axle to be out of way.(2 x 13mm)
7. Remove front 5 oil pan bolts (3/8")
8 Remove HB (22/23mm)
9. Disconnect crank sensor and cam sensor.
10, Remove timing cover bolts
11. Wiggle and pull off.

^Correct^ Whatever you do don't pry from the coolant connections on the timing. It's tempting for must resist the urge. There are a couple of locating pins so you need to wiggle back and forth. Also you need to make sure the HB puller to have the right bolts. (I forget what the right size is at the moment. someone will chime in on that soon I'm assuming)

M6 x 1.00 ~ 75mm in length

Or you can use a fine pitch 1/4" bolt.

thanks!!!

couple other questions, im doing this today. do i need to drain oil? just did a oil change with mobil 1 syn extended perf. that is not cheap, oil has less than 200 miles on it.

also any key points that i should pack on RTV besides the oil pan side of timing cover?

i should install the main seal after reinstalling the timing cover yes?

also, do i need to remove oil filter housing, or can i leave it attached to timing cover? just replaced oil pressure sensor and gasket on that. As you can tell i was left with quite a few oil leaks... when purchasing car

The timing cover kit should come with another oil filter housing gasket. Take the main seal on and off with the cover off the car. You don't need to do an oil change as long as you don't get coolant in the oil. You don't need RTV other than the oil pan gasket.

the coolant will probably dribble into the oil when i take off the timing cover. even if i drain all the coolant.

ugh.

forgot to add i have to pull off drive belt tension/coolant elbows/alternator bracket...

lol i gotta wait for coolant elbows to finish job. no car to drive

You should get a 99+ timing cover so that you can have a bottom elbow. Makes it easier for further mods/work.

You probably will get coolant in your oil. You only need to remove the 3 front oil pan bolts. This isn't too hard of a job, just don't get in a hurry or ahead of yourself and you will be just fine.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

You should get a 99+ timing cover so that you can have a bottom elbow. Makes it easier for further mods/work.

always thought you change the alt and bracket so you have 2 elbows vs the cast one( 97 & 98), the cast elbow is on the alt bracket. timing cover should be the same.

now we are even for the 17 inch wheels lol

Your right scott. I want even thinking about that lol

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

always thought you change the alt and bracket so you have 2 elbows vs the cast one( 97 & 98), the cast elbow is on the alt bracket. timing cover should be the same.

now we are even for the 17 inch wheels lol

correct, i have a L32 Block = L32 timing cover.

finished the job. it sucked. never want to do it again. changed to synthetic 5w30 this time as well

You'll dribble coolant in. No worries, you are going to change that oil.
I do the bottom inch of the gasket on both sides where it meets the pan, the pan and that's about it.