To change or not change: front timing cover gasket + Seal + Tensioner + Oil Pan Gasket???

Hey guys,

I [color=#FF0000]brought this up via another Post - though not directly. The timing Gasket, Seal and Tensioner -- and Oil Pan gasket with those two shorter cork strips that are part of the seal that makes up the oil pan. Does or does not - the front engine plate need to be removed to effectively - replace these two short cork strips - along with the Oil Pan gasket?[/color] The engine is out - easy access. I'm changing the rear main - got the rear engine plate off - turning the Flywheel too. So technically - what I propose can't be much tougher than what I've done already, Capiche?!

From the Forums noted "I've done this before" guys (successfully)... please chime in and tell me your experience. Thanks.

I've spoken to two "in the know" engine guys in the last 24 hours. Both agree, "while I'm there" it isn't a bad idea. Okay. Fine. Right...got it. I can do it!

I like the premise of it - though after continuing to discover what's involved, I'm finding out - (after listening) to "in the Know" experts in engines, [color=#9900CC]that the Sprockets involved (timing chain) if changed - causes there to be a need...to address other sprockets nearby. Pardon my laymen terms here...there's a sprocket on the cam that's affected by changing the chain, etc. So, all of it should be changed, (if one) changes the chain, right or not right[/color]? No, Yes???

I do want to change the front timing cover gasket now, the front seal and the tensioner- from what I know understand after a 48 hour period of a steep learning curve, doing those is...OK. However, once one decides to "do" the timing chain, going deeper can create more issues that is worth the idea of wanting to prevent future issues. The saying, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies to some degree in machines and in life - but if it was completely the case - no one would fix anything ever! :smoking: or until it literally fell apart. I'm not that way. Blame being a Fitness Coach. Being fit means preventative maintenance.

I've come far in my mechanic journey - and I will reach the goal. I'm in no hurry; learning, doing and accomplishing, great fun!

I would leave the timing chain alone, IF you have the double chain, tensioner too, no need to change unless broken, but, Ive never seen one break in 25 years.

If you have the single row chain, get rid of it, provided, the money is there for the change. That would mean new sprockets too, obviously.

As far as the gaskets are conserned, of course, new gaskets all the way around. For the rear main, make sure you use the black seal, as it works better, and if the crank if grooved in any way, you will have to sleeve it for a good seal.

Was your rear main leaking?

Its been a while since I've replaced all this stuff, so, I am not sure who sells the "good" stuff, someone will chime in though, I'm sure. But, you definitely want to change all the gaskets, the two cork included. If I remember correctly, Moss sells the orange rear main, and while that has worked for some, its not as good as the black one. You don't want to go thru all this work, for that damned thing to leak on you right after getting going again, cuz that can leak a lot of oil all over your clean tranny and bottm of your car.

B

While the pan is off pull the rod caps and check the appearance and clearance of the bearings. Plastigauge is cheap.

If the timing cover isn't leaking, I'd leave well alone.

If the engine was running well before, I wouldn't worry about the timing chain either. I've never had one give me any trouble even if they've rattled slightly.

If the oil pressure was good, I wouldn't touch the bearings either.

dan, you are facing (as we all do) a lot of "might as wells". and there are plenty of them once the engine is out. any sign of any problems when the engine was in the car? the more things you replace, besides the expense, the more opportunities you have to screw something up. not trying to pick on you but once you pull that oil pan off lord knows what you will find to polish inside the engine. although more trouble, the front seal, timing chain, tensioner, oil pump, rod bearings, front and bottom gaskets can all be replaced once the engine is back in the car if need be. note i did not say rear seal. take care of that one now and i agree with all before that suggested that you use the black one. you obviously work slowly (as i also do), spring is here and it's time to get these cars back on the road. again- any engine problems you are having now?

FWIW, the B Hive has the original black Gaco rear seals. I just got a couple at 16.82 ea. I have been told that the Moss red ones work OK but I'm superstitious.:eyepop:

Yo Drake,

The "might as wells" definitely are there as you say. I haven't a trouble with this engine ever, regarding the way it runs, she runs like a raped-ape. The Rod Bearings, rings, pistons, head were all done back in '94 - and it's got 60K on that partial rebuild, the PO did it, Sid Olson, sold me this 79 B, back in 2001...Sid was a prolific MG racer in Portland (with his good friend, now deceased, Harold Dick) - never a snitch of problems with my engine. I just called Sid a few weeks ago about my OD Gearbox reverse gears - he said not to worry about them btw...

Franky - I'm not super-pumped to do the front cover, it was suggested to me. Then I latched on to the idea of it - hence my post - so I don't in fact want to over-do this OD Swap/clutch parts, starter rehab, slave cylinder, job! (and turn it into an engine overhaul too)...I really don't. I in fact planned that in a few years, because I want more horse-power - and do it all...at once (then engine) rebuild.

I haven't a troublesome leak or any major leakage from the front main, timing cover or oil pan gasket - besides occasional weep-age that is normal, though no excessive drippage or problemage (ok) enough with the ..."age" usage (pun), oh man!

[color=#3366FF]So, the predilection to change and the urge to change the aforementioned seals/gaskets are quite tempting, leave well enough alone, would be okay by me.[/color] I'm into preventative maintenance but don't want to open Pandora's Box, anybody ever seen "Hell Raiser" movie - it aint a good time to do that! :eyepop: So, I'm most likely, not do it - as from what the wise men say here, even "pro" change them -- all impart a sense of need or want. I want to - but there's not a dire need to do the front seal/gasket, chain, tensioner, oil pan gasket, oil pump, etc. changing. Good insight Drake.

I got the "Napa" Federal Mogul/Payel/Gaco "Black" Seal already. I paid $27 for it, yikes! But she's more stout, and quite nice I must say - as seals go!

I just went and took a close look at my engine - front timing cover perimeter/oil pan perimeter and there's no seepage (there's that, "age" again)...I only had a leakage in the rear of the engine, in the normal places.

It is worth a looksee while You have the engine out,a front seal and timing cover gasket is not that expensive,If You would need to remove the front cover after the engine is installed it is a lot more labor.
You can use an old single row crankshaft sproket to realign the timing cover.