I recently replaced my water pump on my 91 F150 with a 5.0. When I did this I went ahead and replaced the timing chain and gasket. When I reassembled everything, I used Blue RTV on both sides of the gasket of the timing cover but now, two weeks later, I'm leaking coolant from around it. I tried to re-torque the bolts but that didn't help. What did I do wrong. This is not a job that I want to keep doing.

Thanks

 

I guess I'm only familiar with the small block Chevy engine in this respect, but shouldn't there be NO coolant present behind the timing cover? (only oil)

???

 

The timing cover for the 5.0 has water passages on both sides that the water pump uses. It does not put coolant in the actual timing cover around the timing chain.

 

well this may start a fight, but if you clean the gasket surfaces you dont need any rtv. the timming cover uses a dowel on the lower right hand side of the cover to locate the cover, make sure its in place or its going to leak and worse yet it will allow the harmonic balanger to rip the front seal out.
if you dont want to rip it all apart, get a can of BG
cooling system sealer. the local ford dealer has been using it very well around here, they got busted using it and charging people for expensive repairs

 

I see. I was not aware of this. Thanks for the education

 

So what you are saying is I should not have used any rtv on the gasket and just put it in dry and torque the bolts. If that is that case than I will pull it apart and put a new gasket in. I really don't like putting additives in the system that can cause them to clog.

 

i use a little hi-tack cement to hold the gasket in place and a little rtv around the block at the oilpan, then bolt it together. the additive is clear and thin. it seals where there is air leaking into the system. ive used this stuff for several years on motorcycles and cars and trucks. its about $6.00 a can. expensive to some people, but how valueble is your time. especialy when tearing a timming cover off just to fix a leak.

 

RTV didn't cause the leak - many vehicles ONLY use RTV (no gasket). I recommend gasket compound - you can get a spray-can for a few bucks at a parts store. It not only is a mild adhesive to hold the gasket while you join the parts, but it fills small gouges in the mating surfaces and contains powdered copper to dissipate heat and reduce hot-spots that could harden the gasket.

 

Clean the bolt holes out with tap,then clean the bolts good.

Clean gasket mounting surfaces with brake parts cleaner sprayed on a rag.

Put a light coat of rtv-super blue on both sides of the gasket.

Also put rtv on the bolts going thru the cover to prevent the bolts from rusting to the cover.

Torqe to shop manuel specs.


I have used this method for years and have never had a leak.