Front cover leak

BLACK85GT · 03-09-2003, 09:39 AM

Has anyone heard of any TSB's on a leaking front engine cover, or lower intake gaskets? Wifes 97 3.8 vert is leaking small amounts of coolant and it looks like its coming somewhere from the timing cover. I remember reading something about this on the F150 forum about the 4.2 truck engine, and i thought it included 3.8's.

GodStang · 03-09-2003, 11:53 AM

MY 1994 3.8 was leaking coolent from behind the timing chain cover. I THINK it was the main engine seal. We replaced it ourselves in my garage. I am not sure about any recalls by ford about it. It stoped the leak though.

84LX89GT · 03-10-2003, 12:23 AM

Coolant and oil leakage from the timing chain cover is a very common problem with 3.8L's and 4.2L's. I see them all the time at the shop i work at. If you do replace the cover gasket, make sure to get all the coolant/debris from the cover out of the oil pan (removing pan is a +) since that will instantly eat your bearings when you start it up, if left in there.

03-09-2003, 09:39 AM	#1
BLACK85GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tampa,FLORIDA Posts: 340	Front cover leak Has anyone heard of any TSB's on a leaking front engine cover, or lower intake gaskets? Wifes 97 3.8 vert is leaking small amounts of coolant and it looks like its coming somewhere from the timing cover. I remember reading something about this on the F150 forum about the 4.2 truck engine, and i thought it included 3.8's. __________________ 5.0, Holley heads, 1.7 Scorp Rockers, Stealth intake, Holley 600 carb, Holley Mech. Fuel pump, MSD 6Digital, MSD distributor, Hotchkis upper/lower rear control arms, FMS B Springs, 3:73 (8.8) rear. Production # 9,377

03-09-2003, 11:53 AM	#2
GodStang College Stanger Join Date: May 1999 Location: Aiken,south carolina, usa Posts: 1,097	MY 1994 3.8 was leaking coolent from behind the timing chain cover. I THINK it was the main engine seal. We replaced it ourselves in my garage. I am not sure about any recalls by ford about it. It stoped the leak though. __________________ 2003 Sonic Blue Cobra

03-10-2003, 12:23 AM	#3
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	Coolant and oil leakage from the timing chain cover is a very common problem with 3.8L's and 4.2L's. I see them all the time at the shop i work at. If you do replace the cover gasket, make sure to get all the coolant/debris from the cover out of the oil pan (removing pan is a +) since that will instantly eat your bearings when you start it up, if left in there. __________________ 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300-R 1980 Ford Thunderbird - 255 V8 ported heads, 5.0L ported stock headers, O.R. H-pipe and Flowmaster 2-chambers, dual roller timing chain hi-po Mack Truck hood emblem 1985 Mustang GT 5.0L T5, F-303, GT40p, headers, off-road h, flowmasters, MSD stuff, etc. Sold 02/06/04 1989 Mustang GT ET: 13.304@102.29 mph (5-24-03) Sold - 1998 Mustang Cobra coupe, 1/4 mile - street tires: 13.843@103.41 (bone stock)

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