Engine Timing Chain Cover Puddle on Driver Side

Swhitney · Dec 20, 2021

It seems like this topic gets brought up a lot. Problem is I never hear or read anyone say they fixed the problem.

There is a small small puddle that develops between the block and the timing chain cover only on the driver side. I have verified that the hoses are indeed tight and are not leaking. Also, I made sure that the lower intake manifold and T housing is not leaking. This was a brand new timing chain cover and pump so I think I can rule these out. Is there a specific gasket paste or RTV that people are using that will ensure a tight bond between these two surfaces? If you know of a product that or a fix please share.

I have already torn everything apart and am simply waiting on some solid advise from the community before moving forward.

Thank you!

TIGGER · Dec 20, 2021

I assume you are having coolant puddling? If so my friend has the same issue with his 89 GT and he has not been able to figure out where it is coming from. I will be interested to hear what you find.

Potomus Pete · Dec 20, 2021

Quite often a person can do a new water pump, and it will leak. Look close with a flashlight

General karthief · Dec 20, 2021

That is actually a pretty common problem, the water jacket is right there, also right above it is the water jacket for the intake but as you say you've ruled that out so I will give you my assembly instructions, apply rtv sealant to the cover, apply the gasket and place it on a flat surface with a weight like a small hammer to hold it down. After an hour or so I apply a skim coat on the exposed side of the gasket and bolt it to the block, I then take the water pump bolts with some washers or a shorter bolt and tighten them, leave it for an hour or more then install the water pump, you can (most do) install the water pump right away, let it set over night before filling with coolant and test run.
I hate leaks and take extra steps some don't do, I also apply anti seize to the shafts of the bolts near the water jackets and bolts for the water pump.

Swhitney · Dec 20, 2021

General karthief said:
That is actually a pretty common problem, the water jacket is right there, also right above it is the water jacket for the intake but as you say you've ruled that out so I will give you my assembly instructions, apply rtv sealant to the cover, apply the gasket and place it on a flat surface with a weight like a small hammer to hold it down. After an hour or so I apply a skim coat on the exposed side of the gasket and bolt it to the block, I then take the water pump bolts with some washers or a shorter bolt and tighten them, leave it for an hour or more then install the water pump, you can (most do) install the water pump right away, let it set over night before filling with coolant and test run.
I hate leaks and take extra steps some don't do, I also apply anti seize to the shafts of the bolts near the water jackets and bolts for the water pump.

Any specific RTV sealant that you can recommend?

sd331 · Dec 20, 2021

the same leak happened to me when i replaced my water pump...i added thread sealant to the upper wp bolts and the leak stopped

General karthief · Dec 20, 2021

Permatex blue is fine.

manicmechanic007 · Dec 21, 2021

The front covers also can get porous and leak coolant from the pits inside
Yes seal all the bolts that go into the coolant with liquid teflon thread sealer
I use only clear silicone on anything you can see
Ford used to only sell black, clear and grey silicone but they did use natural from the factory

Wayne Waldrep · Dec 26, 2021

I had this problem. The last time i took the front parts off i took everything i could find that was discussed and did mine in typical ocd fashion. Solved the problem.
The reason i mention it is that i made a post with the steps all nice and described in detail and in order. I suck at finding stuff I've posted though so if the op or a forum wizard can find it and post the link maybe it could help some folks.
And this time I'll bookmark it myself too!

Wayne Waldrep · Dec 27, 2021

Thanks to @General karthief for the help finding this.
Here's a link to my post about this. And also, the entire thread should be helpful to you. Lots of good info in there. Keep asking questions and fixing stuff.

Post in thread 'Water Pump Install' https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/water-pump-install.911867/post-9198301

General karthief · Dec 27, 2021

I didn't do nuthin but ask him dumb questions

Swhitney · Dec 28, 2021

I was able to fix the driver side by following all the steps from above. Everything seemed fine until the passenger side started to puddle….

I’m not giving up just probably won’t get to it anytime soon.

Wayne Waldrep · Dec 28, 2021

Swhitney said:
I was able to fix the driver side by following all the steps from above. Everything seemed fine until the passenger side started to puddle….

I’m not giving up just probably won’t get to it anytime soon.

Just make sure to do the surface sanding like in the link i posted. Really flat mating surfaces are important.

7991LXnSHO · Jan 5, 2022

Permatex® Form-A-Gasket® No.2 Sealant, 11 OZ | Permatex®

permatex.com

Engine Timing Chain Cover Puddle on Driver Side

Swhitney

Active Member

TIGGER

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Swhitney

Active Member

sd331

Member

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

manicmechanic007

Wayne Waldrep

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

Wayne Waldrep

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Swhitney

Active Member

Wayne Waldrep

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

Permatex® Form-A-Gasket® No.2 Sealant, 11 OZ | Permatex®

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Engine Timing Chain Cover Puddle on Driver Side

Active Member

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Active Member

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wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

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Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

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