Question: 1981 Timing Cover Gasket

[dap220]

Hi All,
I'm wondering if it is possible to replace the timing cover gasket without pulling the engine.
I have a little oil leak coming from the right front of the engine...I'm hoping timing change cover gasket. Any other ideas?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dale

 

[bill81vette]

Are you sure its the timing cover gasket and not the oil pan gasket???
I replaced my oil pan last summer and a lot of my leaks disappeared!!
got it from Advance,1 piece comes with longer pan bolts!!!,
just had to unbolt the steering linkage where it bolts to the right side
(Pass) of the frame for clearance.
but to answer your question,no you do not have to remove the engine.BUT you will have to at least
lower the front of,if not remove the oil pan to do it.

good luck

 

[dap220]

Thanks bill81vette....
I did just buy an oil pan at a swap meet to clean up, paint and then replace the current.
Since I can do both without pulling the engine that sounds like it should be moved up the to-do list.

 

[BigJimZ16]

Thanks bill81vette....
I did just buy an oil pan at a swap meet to clean up, paint and then replace the current.
Since I can do both without pulling the engine that sounds like it should be moved up the to-do list.

You DO have to pull the harmonic balancer though, and that will probably mean pulling the radiator...

 

[dap220]

Sounds like fun....thank for the tip.
This should be interesting.

 

[bill81vette]

You may also have to remove the water pump and the emissions and related brackets...
one word of advice....PENETRATING SPRAY!!!!
it is your best friend on bolts that haven't been removed in years....
be generous with it and let it sit for little while after spray

 

[Antz81]

You DO have to pull the harmonic balancer though, and that will probably mean pulling the radiator...

Radiator doesn't need to be removed. FSM does say to remove the shroud, but I found it easy enough to do with it in place.

 

[dap220]

All great advise. Thank you everyone.