timing cover
 

my timing cover developed a crack in the cooling passage on the drivers side.i am in the process of replacing it and plan on doing the timing chain also. my question is....should i just replace the chain or the gears too?
Also,there any other gaskets / seals that i will need to replace other than the timing cover gasket and the cam seal?
And lastly, while i am doing all this motor work in the front, and suggestions as to what else i should replace? i already have a new water pump and thermostat in place and planned on re-using them.

thanks for any input.

if i were you i woudl do the chain and gears because theyre not all that expensive and since it is apart it will be easy to do now, i dont know if you would need to do the gears or not, im just saying i would, so its likely not much help but thats just what i think

while you got the timing cover off - you should do the chain and gears. You can get timing cover gasket kits that have all the gaskets you'll need including the front main seal. Be carefull taking the bolts out - don't use an impact. These things break really easy! I was replacing our water pump and broke two bolts, which required me to remove the timing cover to get out.


Before you put the bolts back in clean them good, and pick up some anti-seize, it'll help you if you ever have to take bolts out again.

I just finished installing my timing cover...I highly recommend using a torque wrench for the timing cover and water pump bolts...I don't think it takes much, but check your haynes manual..I believe it's 15 ft-lbs...Also use a thin coat of sealant on both sides of the timing cover and water pump gasket...And last, but not least, take your time....good luck..

Just makes sence.
 

Its always a good idea to replace your timing chain and gears as a set. As the chain wears it changes the wear pattern on the teeth of the sprocket. If you only replace the chain, then the different wear pattern will wear your new chain out in no time. Its a pain in the arse to get to the timing chain because you hafta remove all the front accesories, so as a rule of thumb whenever your down in the neighborhood change the T/C and gears. Its a cheap set so why not?

Steve

Also, if the water pump is going to be off of the vehicle for more than a couple days, submerge it in a tub filled with water/anti-freeze mix to prevent the seals from drying out and cracking. Even brand new ones are subject to this.

Take care,
-Chris

while i'm at it......
 

what about changing the oil pan gasket while i'm at it? i think it is leaking in more than 1 place(but not positive), the motor has 140,000 miles on it and probably could use a rebuild anyway, but thats a little out of the question at the moment. is it possible to change that without pulling the motor ? i know how one thing usually ends up leading to doing another....but right now i'm trying to limit my headaches until spring.
has anybody else ever had a timing cover crack in a cooling passage? i asked several people and they never heard of this before.

gtstang83,

I replaced my oil pan gasket at the same time I did my timing cover...The oil pan gasket will take a lot more work...First off, I had to unbolt my p/s rack and lower it down...Next, raise the motor up all the way and then put wooden blocks underneath the motor mounts to keep it in the "up" position...Then I removed all 20 bolts that hold the pan on, and lowered it down to rest on the crossmember...At this point the pan will not slide out... I had to remove the oil pump and pickup tube...Then I slid out the pan towards the front of the car...Next, I cleaned all gasket surfaces and slid the pan back under the motor...Then I had to bolt the oil pump and pickup tube to the motor...I carefully prepped the oil pan gaskets with silicone and bolted the pan back on...It just takes a long time laying on your back underneath the car...