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1994 F150 351 Windsor engine have a leak at the top of the timing cover ,,, either water pump gasket or the timing cover has corroded to the point of being porous going to pressure test the system this weekend to find out the point of leakage ,, if it is the timing cover itself would anyone on the forum know the correct part number for a replacement timing cover that actually fits ,, when searching for new cover reverse rotation ,, hole for crank trigger sensor confusing to say the least . thanks
If coolant is pooling on top of the timing cover it is more than likely the gasket between the cover and the block. There would be coolant sitting there when parked for serveral hours/ overnight. Confirm with a pressure test. At least that was my experience and a couple other people on here.
Not confusing at all. Here are three reverse rotation timing covers…..
According to the Pioneer website p/n 500351 is the same cover but comes with the crankshaft seal.
If I had to tackle this problem, I would expect that I would have to break the original cover to get it off. I would polish up on my seized bolt removal skills. Expect the truck not to move for awhile and have the time/money to do it right.
Search, there are a few topics on how to remove the front cover and the pitfalls that come with that.
I wouldn’t expect to have to break the cover. Mine came right off (302) after I got the bolts out. I did have trouble with a couple of the long bolts/ studs. Patience combined with heat and penetrating oil. It’s definitely something to plan on being a multiple day project then be happy if it isn’t. Buy replacement hardware since the old bolts and studs will be corroded.
Last edited by My4Fordtrucks; Apr 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
I did have trouble with a couple of the long bolts/ studs. Patience combined with heat and penetrating oil.
That is because I think you have been around the block a few times. Those that haven't, tend to turn a wrench until something turns. Skilled people know how much that effort should be and stop before it's the head that turns.
The holes in the cover that hold the long bolts can be drilled so penetrating oil can seep into that cavity. A hole higher will hold that oil better.
The core engine I had, was just easier to bust the cover [long bolt holes] and that released the bolts to unscrew them. I figured, there was no way I was going to save this cover to put on the engine I was building.
Break the water pump, save the front cover
That is what I try to do
Last one, I cut the aluminum waterpump around the long bolts and cracked the aluminum away
Then you can heat the bolts up and get them out with some big skill and some patience
Those are the hard ones
Usually just 2 bolts out of 4 need the big dog treatment
Break the water pump, save the front cover
That is what I try to do
How do you do that when the bolts are not seized in the pump but are stuck in the cover? Not only that but the sealing surface of the cover was corroded so it would have not sealed right if I tried to reuse it.
