shrike

iTrader: (1)

So I installed the crankshaft seak in the front timing cover a few days ago. I used a press and at the end I thought, I'll pump it one more time to see if the seal goes in more.
I heard a crack and looked at the cover but I did not see aything.
Today I decided to clean it up a bit since it was dirty with oil residue, I guess it's either a higher mileage engine or the oil changes were done regularly.

Anyways I found out that where the seal sits, there is a fine crack that is about 3/8 to 1/2 long.

I was thinking of using some JB weld on the inside of the cover. Any problems doing this?

Thanks

carolinaSS

iTrader: (1)

It would probably work but I'd get it welded, and grind it down smooth, or get a new or used one cheap.

.boB

iTrader: (1)

JB Weld is a good - but temporary - solution. I would never use it on the inside of a cover, though. Eventually, if will fall off and end up somewhere else.

SSSTANG#1

iTrader: (14)

Contact BBJ Automotive Cores http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321406897981&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123 for a good deal on a timing cover.

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

Ugh hate giving advice like this but if you jb weld it smashed it down with your fingers into the crack as much as possible it probably last forever. Or find a new cover.

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

Get a new cover. It's cheap and shiny.

shrike

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys,
I will probably go for a new cover or have it welded if I can find someone who can do it for cheap.

I live in Canada so car parts are more expensive, shipping from the US is also higher. But what is done is done so I have no choice now

Thanks for the reference to BBJ automotive cores. I'll see what they have when I get home.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I'd just get a used one. Brian Tooley had some a couple of months ago for $40 used on his site.

He still has two:

http://www.briantooleyracing.com/gm-...6623-used.html

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

These kind of fixes are sketchy, at best.
It sounds like the crack is at the edge of the seal. Because of this, there's a chance that no matter how good the JB Weld works, the perimeter where the seal joins the fix might still leak.
I've found that HT2000 aluminum alloy rods, and a propane torch work well on pot metal. For $10/free shipping, you can try your hand at sealing the crack. Again, you have a crack at the seal perimeter to deal with.
Maybe the best fix is to replace the cover.
Leave the JB Weld for your dentures.

SSSTANG#1

iTrader: (14)

I bought a 5.3 shortblock from BBJ and at the time they had a timing cover with the cam sensor and they threw it in at no extra charge. Don't know which one you nee but I only see one front cover now. The one from Brian Tooley isn't too bad but shipping might kill you.

shrike

iTrader: (1)

I also have the feeling that trying to weld in that area might leave the cover distorted. Yes, the crack is at the edge of the lip.

It is also true that shipping would cost as much as the cover to have it shipped to Canada, I am trying to look for one locally.

I know there is a Dorman cover for 50 bucks on rockauto and it comes with the seal and gaskets. But I am not sure if I should use that one.

I'll look some more around here, I mean there is a guy selling an engine here for 300 dollars and the cover with shipping frm the US would be 75....

If we had the same prices here it would have been a no brainer, just get a new one and don't ask any questions.

Thanks for your inputs

shrike

iTrader: (1)

I forgot, it is a 1999 5.3 so no sensor at the front but I think they have block-off plates for the hole. That might be an idea

shrike

iTrader: (1)

got a "new" cover today for 40 dollars...used of course.
Now I hope I can get my car back on the road in maximum two weeks otherwise I'll get depressed.

studderin

iTrader: (28)

new would be best.


FYI I cut my cover in half with a saw, and just use rtv between the cut in the 2 parts (top and bottem, over the seal hole) and it never leaked. haha

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Wtf lol

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

Hey makes cam changes easy.

shrike

iTrader: (1)

If replacing the cover did not require to pull the balancer, it is a trick I would have been willing to try

studderin

iTrader: (28)

ya it works great, just have to slide a drain pan under the car for the coolant, pull the VC rocker/pushrods/WP. top of the cover and cam is right out, in a few mins. no special tools, or going under or down in the ballancer area at all, way better on the lower back.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...1102102058.jpg