4.3L engine timing cover replacement

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Barry Minchey - 27 Apr 2006 01:49 GMT

I have 1989 GMC Safari and have removed the timing cover to replace
oil seal, chain and sprockets. I did not lower the oil pan to remove
the cover. Is it reasonably possible to reinstall the cover without
removing the oil pan or can you loosen only the front and lower it
enough to reinstall the cover? I don't want any leaks and am willing
to drop the pan if that is the only way to do it well. But, I am
curious anyone has had sucess without doing so.

Thanks!

Barry

Reply to this Message

paulv - 27 Apr 2006 13:22 GMT

Barry, drop the pan. Do it right the first time. I have been working
on vehicles for 21 years and it did not take long to realize I should
not cut corners.
If some thing is in your way, remove it. It is not a matter of success
it is a matter of luck. There is a small gauge spring on the seal to
hold pressure on the shaft. If you roll the seal (which you cant see
while installing the cover), the spring will come off and your seal
will be worthless. Good luck, Paul from NY.

Reply to this Message

lugnut - 27 Apr 2006 15:14 GMT

>I have 1989 GMC Safari and have removed the timing cover to replace
>oil seal, chain and sprockets. I did not lower the oil pan to remove
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>Barry

The problem is that many GM engies over the years have used
the silastic or some such gasket material. They fail fairly
frequently anyways. Dropping the pan would be the best
option if you can. If your gasket is cork, some timing
cover sets come with the front section of the pan gasket
that can be installed with silicon at the joints and works
well. If your gasket is metal reinforced, you can only
replace all or nothing of the gasket which means you would
have to pull the pan if the gasket is damaged or leaking.

Lugnut

Reply to this Message