Got a couple weeks on my hand to give the max some good lovin... I've had this oil leak while running for way too long. I've replaced both vc's (stopped the oil burning off the exhaust), pressure switch, upper/lower oil pan liquid gaskets.

Anyways, I'll be venturing into the timing cover region next. I want to do a "once and for all" type deal, everything which needs replacing, prone to leaks, etc. I'm in at 196k, which has been well maintained. No codes, runs great.

Liquid gasket- RTV ultra black. Will(2) 3.35oz tubes be enough? mistakes included.

For timing seals this seems to be the most complete set, below. Should I get this? or

http://www.rockauto.com/getimage/get...ucts/TC645.jpg


Water pump, obvious.
Will I need those large o rings/gaskets as well? or do they come with a new unit.

Thermostat?

Front seal. Will be replacing as I read theyre known to leak.

Timing chain tensioner? Really don't want to mess with this if not necessary.


Anything I'm missing?

I'd appreciate any feedback, thanks!

You should have done the half moon seals when you had the upper oil pan off. I would bet you that is what is leaking.

I personally wouldn't touch any of the other seals... such as the front seal or timing seals unless they are leaking. Front seal rarely leaks. You don't want to go create problems.

If you do the water pump. You have to take out the tensioner anyway.

If you've already done the upper oil pan and it's still leaking I'm gonna guess it is the 2 o-rings behind the rear timing chain cover. I had the same problem and resealed the upper oil pan but it did not fix the issue. Once I replaced those 2 o-rings no more leak. I've done a lot of reading through this site regarding this oil leak and those o-rings are notorious for leaking while the engine is running. That kit you linked looks fine as far as what needs to be replaced (it has the 2 orings for the rear timing chaing cover). Water pump will come with new o-rings so you won't need the 2 large ones from the kit. It's recommended to get OEM water pump and main timing chain tensioner.

To get to those O-rings is tough tho, gonna have to remove all timing chain components, gears, etc. I did it with the engine in the car and it took me about 2 weeks working few hours a day and all day on the weekends (large portion of it was cleaning off the inch thick layer of grease on everything tho).

Good luck and if you have any questions let me know as I just went through this 6 months ago!

I appreciate the replies. Gator, I actually did replace the half moon seals as well, forgot to add that. I'll take your advice and won't touch that front seal.

Thanks metal I might hit up your inbox sometime this month. I was in the same situation as you, took me a week to get the u.o.p off and the inch of grease off everything. But stupid of me to put it all back together without going for the timing cover, oh well. Only thing I'm hesitant about is messing with the timing, but I'll figure it out. thanks again! I'll be back \m/