front end plate gasket leaking

[rfj62]

Hey guys, I was looking for some advice on replacing the front
end plate gasket, since I didn't do it right the first time.
To make a long story short I got a new short block from Toyota
for my '89 FJ62 because of some internal damage. I took the old
engine out set it next to the new engine and started to move what i
could over, transmission adapter, water pump, etc. While I was doing
this I got the head magna-fluxed and cleaned up. I put the frond end
together, new canshaft, new camshaft timing gear, all new gaskets
from Toyota, the works. Got everything together so then I primed the
engine by spinning the oil pump as fast as possible with an electric
drill, oil leaking out of the front, not a good sign. :whoops: I took it
apart again and believe that I mis-torqued either the front end plate
bolts or the timing cover gasket because of the different torque
specs.
Back to Toyota to get some a new frongt end plate gasket and
timing cover gasket. Pull out the remove the rocker assemble,
lifters, rods and camshaft, replace the gasket RTV it and put
everthing back together very carefully following the Toyota FSM,
double check the torque setting twice before I tightened them even
cross referencing with the Haynes manual. Prime the motor again and
all is well, so I think. Put the motor back in fires right up after
the fuel got back up to the engine. Running good until I notice the
leak coming from the front end, you've got to be kidding I can't
believe this!!
It was hard to tell where the leak was coming from but I
believed that I narrowed it down to the top right side of the timing
cover/end plate. I tightened the timing cover a little tighter and
the leak has realy slowed down, but not enough to not leave a little
reminder on the pavement that I was there.
So I got another front end plate and timing cover gasket and
will try again this weekend. I am going to remove the radiator,
grill and everything else on the front end thats in my way and try
and remove the camshaft while the engine is in the truck. Does
anyone know if I am doing something wrong? Any advice on removing the cam while the engine is still in the truck? How much sealant should I put on the gaskets? This time I got the Toyota sealant.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Jeff

 

[rfj62]

cam oiler

I got a response from Troy over at the yahoo 3FE list and he suggested that I overtightened the cam gear oiler which cause the plate to separate from the block. This makes sense to me. I was wondering if I loosen the oiler and retorque the front end plate bolts will that seal properly or do I have to take out the cam, front end plate and replace the gasket? thnaks for any advise or experiences. Jeff

 

[rfj62]

cam oiler

Well Troy Rech was right it was definitely the cam oiler.

Question is do I need to replace the front end plate gasket? jeff

 

[kevinmrowland]

I got a response from Troy over at the yahoo 3FE list and he suggested that I overtightened the cam gear oiler which cause the plate to separate from the block. This makes sense to me. I was wondering if I loosen the oiler and retorque the front end plate bolts will that seal properly or do I have to take out the cam, front end plate and replace the gasket? thnaks for any advise or experiences. Jeff

Yup, that is the usual culprit.
As to backing it out and hoping it reseals, that is up to you. I can understand wanting to try, saves a lot of work, but you are already into a lot of work just to get there.
I had it work that way one time, but it failed again the next year.

I do not remember, can you get the cam gear off the cam shaft without removing the shaft on a 3FE? I think you might.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

I found that the cam gear HAS to come off to get the cam outa the motor while the motor is bolted into the truck. That is unless you wanna either lift the motor up enough for the gear to clear the radiator support or pull the support out of the front too. But seeing that cam gear I'd pull it and toss it in favor of an aftermarket all-metal cam gear anyway. IMHO that phenolic gear has no place inside an engine.

Or just forget all that and tell folks yer Cruiser is just "marking his territory" and don't worry about until it STOPS leaking 'cause then yer outa oil!

Nick

 

[rfj62]

Well Nick you're right, no way to get the cam out with the engine bolted in the truck.. I'll just have to patch the gasket as best as I can and hope the Toyota sealant does its job. Thanks for the reply.
jeff

 

[rfj62]

Where's the best place to get a metal cam gear?

 

[kevinmrowland]

Unbolt your trany cross member and lower the trany down with a jack.

Search the cam gear thing over on the 3FE list.

 

[rfj62]

It's out

Thanks for the advice, worked like a charm Tlhis site rocks!!

 

[grant5127]

Make sure the plate is flat, they been known to be warped after suffering trauma...... I would use Toyota gear and replacement gaskets for sure..... pay close attention to the cover retaining bolts too.... there are long & short ones.... its a fact a long one in the incorrect hole can actually screw into the plate and bottom out against the block thus pushing the plate away from the block ......

 

[rfj62]

Well, Cleaned the plate up checked the plate as suggested, everthing looks good. I used the Toyota sealar and a new Toyota gasket and shes back on.

 

[rfj62]

cover

Did the same with the timing cover, but she was a little bend up so I straightened her up. Payed close attention to the bolt locations and torque settings. thanks

 

[grant5127]

Look'n Good....