Hello all,
I have what I originally thought was a leaky gasket on my timing chain cover(leaking coolant) just above the fuel pump against the engine block. When I removed the timing chain cover I noticed a small hole in the top right hand corner of the timing cover on the water pump side. Not being a mechanic, I thought that this hole was my problem. I have tried finding a timing cover from the local wreckers, here's my problem. Every cover I have found has this same hole? Everyone has told me this hole is normal but it looks to me that it has been caused by corrosion. Can anyone tell me if this small quarter sized hole is normal.

bruincup

1975 Ford F150
Club Cab / Trailer Special
460 / 116000 miles <!-- / message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --><!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig -->

 

None of the covers I have seen have the hole....

i have two spares in the garage that dont have one either (one is FI, on is carbed)

 

are you talking right as in passengers side top? If so I think your looking at the dip stick hole for front sump oil pan engines and there is supposed to be a plug in there for rear sump applications. And yes they all have it.

 

And if you have a rear sump pan and this hole is open, it taps real nicely to a 1/4" NPT plug!

 

As to not cause confusion, the direction of any part is done from sitting in the driver’s seat and looking out at the engine. So if you were standing in the front of the vehicle looking at the engine the valve cover on the right would actually be the left valve cover. Some people say the passenger side or drivers side to help clarify which side you are actually referring to, but this could also cause confusion if you were talking to an Aussie.

But if the hole is on the left side behind where the impeller blades of the pump would fit, then it is corroded. This is very common to the 460 and the thing should be replaced. I have tried to patch them with little success. It is far easier to just replace them when you consider all of the trouble it takes to get them on and off. They are usually less than a hundred bucks.

 

I had to replace mine when I rebuilt the 460 last month. Got it from Bronco Graveyard for 75.00. If you need the front dipstick, plan on buying a new tube, you will never get the old one out. The only hole in my new cover was the dipstick tube.

 

The engine company here says they epoxy the hole with the tube removed, so its roughly one-inch long. Does that seem suitable?

 

Thanks for all of your replys. wb6vvv, the spot you explained is exactly where it was leaking. I didn't want to fool around so I bought a new replacement part - through Dorman in Canada $140.00. Thanks again.