Timing Cover Install
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,270
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From: Delaware
Timing Cover Install
I am trying to reassemble my 400 after installing a new cam and heads.
I had the timing cover chromed and installed a new seal.
I removed the crankshaft key, so as not to damage the seal when installing.
The cover will not go into place, do I have to remove some oil pan bolts or is there some other way to do it.
My Chiltons Manual doesn't say anything about dropping the oil pan, but it does mention a tool.
I had the timing cover chromed and installed a new seal.
I removed the crankshaft key, so as not to damage the seal when installing.
The cover will not go into place, do I have to remove some oil pan bolts or is there some other way to do it.
My Chiltons Manual doesn't say anything about dropping the oil pan, but it does mention a tool.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Been there, done that
Danlee,
I have tried it both ways. Yes there is a procedure that allows you to install without removing the oil pan. You cut off the tabs from the rubber oil pan seal. It didn't work for me... Leaked like it wasn't there. I ended up removing the oil pan and starting over.
For me it is worth not even going there. I would remove the oil pan and do it by the book.
Steve
I have tried it both ways. Yes there is a procedure that allows you to install without removing the oil pan. You cut off the tabs from the rubber oil pan seal. It didn't work for me... Leaked like it wasn't there. I ended up removing the oil pan and starting over.
For me it is worth not even going there. I would remove the oil pan and do it by the book.
Steve
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 908
Likes: 4
The front cover should be installed without the seal. You push the bottom of the cover down against the oil pan first, then push it up against the block. If the seal is in place, this is almost impossible to do.
If the seal is already in place, the only way to do it is to drop the oil pan a little.
If the seal is already in place, the only way to do it is to drop the oil pan a little.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 5
From: Delaware
My truck is a '53. I have a rear sump oil pan, but I cannot remove the pan without jacking up the motor because of the Mustang II IFS. I could loosen some bolts to get some slack, but I think that I'll try removing the seal and installing the cover. If I have to buy another seal, that is OK considering the alternatives.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 2
From: chicago burbs
it can be done. you have to trim the tabs as mentioned earlier, i trim the oil pan seal tabs a bit also. use the sillycone in all the right places and it'll seal. i haven't had one leak yet. test fit the cover without the oil pan seal to make sure you have the tabs trimmed off good. clean and degrease with carb clean around the inside areas where the seal is and dab some sillycone around in there too. the trick is to apply enough down pressure to get back on the dowels. maybe a couple of 1/2" drive extensions in the water pump passages will give you some ooomf? BTW, every chrome cover i've ever seen leaked. the smoothness of the chrome will not seal. you might want to scratch the sealing areas. anti-freeze on chrome? good luck!
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