i have an 89 that i have to replace the timing cover gasket and i can not figure out why i would need an alignment tool to put the cover back if i just put it on and tighten the mounting bolts. shouldn't the bolts align the cover? am i missing something and if it is really necessary where can i get the tool

thank you,
mark

 

You can use the spacer behind the dampner for the alignment tool.

Leave the cover bolts a little loose, slip the spacer on the crank then into the seal on the cover, then tighten the bolts.

Thats what you would be doing anyway, aligning the timing cover to match the spacer, so it would ride in the seal properly and not cause a premature seal failure.

 

now it makes sense.

 

should i use a special grease for the seal or engine oil?

 

Guys I have tried 4 times to get a good alignment using the spacer. So far it never fails that I end up with a leak within 1000 miles. Does anyone know where I can get an alignment tool for this job. I'm getting tired of this operation. Thanks.

 

Are you sure your leak isn't around the outside of the seal? I always put a light coat of silocone on the ouside edge of the seal. You could also be getting the wrong seal for your timing cover. The spacer is the best alignment tool because it is what the seal will be running on.

 

Terry,

Since you are going to have to remove the timing cover again anyway, after doing so check the crank where the seal rides to make sure it is not grooved. Any groove will allow a leak. If it does have a groove there are sleeve kits that will fix it. As others have said, the spacer is as good an alignment tool as there is so it is probably not an alignment problem. Before you remove the cover again you may want to clean the area thoroughly and then keep a frequent eye on it to see exactly where it is leaking. Since the timing cover is aluminum make sure there isn’t a crack in it.

Good luck,

Mark

 

Use engine oil on the seal surface.



tmyers

Are you using a sealer between the outside of the seal body and the timing cover?

I have used this method ( using the spacer for the alignment tool ) three times on different 460's and never had a leak. I put a light coat of Permatex # 2 on the outside of the seal before installing it in the timing cover.

BTW, the seal rides on the spacer, not the crank on a 460. Yes there could be a wear groove cut into the spacer causing a premature leak. A repair sleeve can take of this for you if it is the case.

 

Superdave you are correct. Don’t know what I was thinking. And that makes it even easier to check to see if a groove is causing the leak. Don’t have to pull the cover just the spacer.

Mark