Timing cover gasket
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Timing cover gasket
I am replacing a leaky timing cover gasket on my '72 F100. It is a 360FE and I got the whole front end gasket kit. I am wondering about the pulleys. I don't want to screw up the TDC settings. Do I have to remove just the center nut. Is there a instruction diagram or manual that show me how. I would appreciate any assistance.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield, KY
When you remove the crankshaft bolt the balancer has to removed with a puller. The key removed and there is a collar behind the balancer to remove. Also , you will have to remove the fuel pump I think.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield, KY
Since you aren't removing the timing chain or cam the settings won't change. The key will only go in the one slot so balancer only goes on one way. You will have to pull bolts off the oil pan on the bottom of the cover. Also have to pull water pump so pretty involved fix.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 5
From: San Francisco East Bay
I am replacing a leaky timing cover gasket on my '72 F100. It is a 360FE and I got the whole front end gasket kit. I am wondering about the pulleys. I don't want to screw up the TDC settings. Do I have to remove just the center nut. Is there a instruction diagram or manual that show me how. I would appreciate any assistance.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 7
From: Gainesville, GA
Check the play on the timing chain if you have many miles on the engine. They're not that expensive. Less than $25 for the set, cam, crank gears and chain. Definitely change the small rubber hose on the water pump.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield, KY
I have never pulled just the timing cover so......how hard is it to get the oil pan area sealed up assuming you don't pull the pan off to replace the entire gasket?
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
It was easy for me when I replaced my timing chain. after tearing apart the front of the engine and finally got the new chain on. I just got some rtv high temp silicone gasket maker and put a healthy bead around the oil pan and up the face of the engine some to seal it up worked great for me with no leaks.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
2x Alex on the timing chain. Unless you plan on changing the cam in the near future I would change the chain and gears now while you have the cover off. Get a good quality set. The marks on the medium to cheap gears can be 1 -2 degrees off +/-. Which advances or retards the cam that amount. Spin the engine by hand till it's at TDC with #1 on the compression stroke. Before you remove the old gears and chain make sure the marks on the two gears are pointing at each other. Crank's gear mark at 12:00 and the cam's gear at 6:00. If not then the #1 cylinder was not on the compression stroke. No problem. Spin the engine around till the marks then point at each other. Once they do remove the old and install the new in the same way. Don't spin the engine when there is no chain on it.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
Almost forgot. Because of the slop in the original chain, when you go to install the new chain and gears the cam might not be clocked exactly perfect. That's OK. Simply spin the cam just enough to get the two marks to line up pointing at each other.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
2x Alex on the timing chain. Unless you plan on changing the cam in the near future I would change the chain and gears now while you have the cover off. Get a good quality set. The marks on the medium to cheap gears can be 1 -2 degrees off +/-. Which advances or retards the cam that amount. Spin the engine by hand till it's at TDC with #1 on the compression stroke. Before you remove the old gears and chain make sure the marks on the two gears are pointing at each other. Crank's gear mark at 12:00 and the cam's gear at 6:00. If not then the #1 cylinder was not on the compression stroke. No problem. Spin the engine around till the marks then point at each other. Once they do remove the old and install the new in the same way. Don't spin the engine when there is no chain on it.
Old chain slack
Old marks lined up
New chain on dots lined up
Buttoned up
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
42066
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
30
May 22, 2026 10:18 PM
fox3698
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
10
Jun 20, 2011 05:40 PM
newwavedave
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
3
Feb 9, 2004 08:32 PM