Timing cover gasket....What am I doing wrong?

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jfnall

jfnall

10 Year 15 Year
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Feb 9, 2007
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Nixa, MO
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After several replacements of the timing cover gasket, I still cannot get the bottom of the gasket to seal. I sealed the bolts that are through the block and still won't hold. What's the secret??




...via IH8MUD app
 
The bolt holes in the cover 'mushroom' from over-tightening. Use a small piece of wood and and a ball peen hammer and gently flatten the sealing surface of the cover.
 
Makes sense on the flattening. Is it possible to change this without pulling all the "stuff" off the front?


...via IH8MUD app
 
It's been a while since I've done a cover, so I don't remember what I did/did not remove .... But I did it twice before a Cruiser Whisperer told me that 'trick'. No mas leaky. Also used the Toyota FIPG and let it cure overnight before filling and firing.
 
I used ultra gray let it cure overnight before filling. Also let it sit another day before starting. Local Toyota service manager told me FIP G is closer to black RTV then ultra gray. Is this the case? He did not act like he wanted to sell me any


...via IH8MUD app
 
jfnall said:
What's the secret??
Click to expand...

On a practical note, I'd follow Spike's advice.

On a philosophical note (an quite possibly a metaphysical/spiritual note), just remember that Time is the one thing that humans have no control over. It cannot be contained, man...it's always just Now...
 
Slow Left said:
just remember that Time is the one thing that humans have no control over. It cannot be contained, man...it's always just Now...
Click to expand...

On a scientific note..... if you are travelling fast enough, time does start to alter..... *

*Note... time alteration is unlikely to be detectable while driving a 60 series land cruiser, even if you have a really good watch....
 
I've used Permatex Ultra Black on my transfer-case and oil pan. It works. Waited overnight for filling with oil on the transfer-case. The oil pan was too long ago. Don't remember.

I'll use FIPG next go round if I remember to order it. Otherwise the Ultra Black is readily available at your FLAPS

I remember the procedure for the timing cover being pretty involved. I'd have to study up on that one. I'm sure you've got it on hand.
 
Unfortunately, one of the possibilities that is overlooked too often is that the timing cover PLATE gasket may be leaking. Changing the cover gasket will not stop that leak...ever. Only pulling the camshaft will.:(
 
jfnall said:
Makes sense on the flattening. Is it possible to change this without pulling all the "stuff" off the front?


...via IH8MUD app
Click to expand...

No. I did watch a customer beat the rear of a leaky oil pan into submission once with a hammer and a flat blade screwdriver. Stopped the leak long enough to sell it to someone else.:rolleyes:
 
Da cruiser whisper speaks!

To the OP - Sorry, for some reason when I read your initial post, I was thinking 'side-cover gasket'... Age will do that to one...

But the flattening of the surface still applies.
 
X2 on checking the timing plate gasket, that's where my engine was leaking when I bought my FJ62. It is a major job to fix. Yes, I had to pull the camshaft to do the job.
 
Timing plate gasket is good. Strictly the cover. When the pile sits in the cover and drains back into the block, that is when it leaks the most. I'll try the flattening method. Getting pretty quick about getting all the stuff off the front. Sad huh.
 
I had a similar problem with mine. One of the bolts goes thru the plate and into the block it requires one of the longer bolts. I had put one of the shorter ones in the hole and could not for the life of me get it to stop leaking till I installed one of the longer bolt in that spot.
 
Finally have had time to start the leaking timing cover gasket replacement.

The bottom of the cover flange was flared out slightly but it's due to the prying to get it off the block. Not sure how much flair was there before getting it off.

There is an added piece of metal across the bottom flange of the cover. I've always assumed it was part of the timing cover but it came off while removing the cover. It doesn't appear to have spot welds. Could this be the source of a leak since it's never had any cleaning or silicone holding it on? As bad as it looked underneath, it appears to be original. OR is this not to have come apart?

My leak is specifically the lowest large bolt, which goes through that added metal piece on the flange. It's where the oil sits as it drains back into the block.

Another thing, the Ultra Gray seemed to have made a great connection between the gasket and the cover, but peeled right off the block leaving it clean. Is this because of 2 different types of metals or is something not done right on the block side of the gasket?

Just trying to not have to do this again. 5th times the charm.
 
That metal piece is, a stiffener for the lower portion of the cover and to spread the bolt pressure out along the sealing surface. Mine is spot welded on. I suspect yours may have rusted loose. Pics would help confirm/refute my conjecture.
You must clean the sealing surfaces very well. the engine side was probably contaminated with oil. Again, wait a day after installation before filling and running the engine.
Suggestion: thread the bolts into the block with the cover off to confirm the threads are not stripped or the bolt is too short. The bolts go in specific locations based on length/size. Also, tighten the bolts progressively in accordance with the manual.
 
Yes the lower stiffener was spot welded I guess. Will good sealant hold this in place or does it need to be spot welded back together?

And what are thoughts on Permatex Aviation Form a gasket for this cover and use as the lower bolt sealer?
ImageUploadedByIH8MUD Forum1424033245.434232.webp
 
I'm no expert, but I wouldn't think it would matter if it were spot welded or not. I would be inclined to painting them both separately then using RTV to stick em together when remounting the timing cover.
 
ozwallaby said:
On a scientific note..... if you are travelling fast enough, time does start to alter..... *

*Note... time alteration is unlikely to be detectable while driving a 60 series land cruiser, even if you have a really good watch....
Click to expand...

I would argue that the alteration of time might also be experienced by travelling slowly enough, which the land cruiser is quite apt to do...
 
So stick the stiffening plate on the outside off the cover and let that setup for a day, then mount the whole cover second?

Any thoughts on the Permatex Aviation form a gasket and sealant?
 
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