Timing Cover instalation+ Random questions.

[Grandmaster]

Hello,
So i'm getting ready to re-install my timing chain cover when my bolts get here and i got a couple questions. First, about the oil pan gasket. The gasket that is on there looks like its in great shape, i honestly dont know how a new one would be better. It looks like its made like an innertube or something that stuff is thick. But do i need to replace it anyways? That would entail dropping the pan so i wanted to see if it was actually needed before i tackled it. Also does the timing chain cover have a gasket between it and the block? When i pulled it off i dont remember any gasket material being there but it might have just turned to dust or whatever.

Random questions: Does the pointed side of the thermostat install facing the motor or facing the radiator?
My friend wants to know: How much nitrous can be put on a stock 86 (STOCK, no fuel mods). I can probably search that one and find out though.

Thanks,
-E

 

[stealthracing]

the timing cover does not have any gasket material between it and the block. i used a small bead of silicon to seal it and have never had a problem for a couple of motors. replacing the oil pan gasket would probably be a good idea if you want to spend the extra 20-30 bucks on a decent gasket, or use a ton of silicon. if you develop a oil leak from the oil pan after the motor is back in the car, you either have to drop the k-member or pull the motor again to replace it. the stock oil pan is very close to the k-member and there is really no room to simply un-bolt and replace while the motor is in the car. another thing to consider is the rear main seal while the pan is off, depending on the milage and general condition of the motor, the rear main will eventually leak and cause a big mess. as for the n2o question a stock 86 should probably handle a 75-100 wet shot, the bottom end and rotating assembly is the same as the 87-up, the heads and intake are slightly different. i cant remember which way the t-stat faces, sorry.

 

[Demented4.6]

every timing cover i have taken off has had a gasket between it and the block. Not saying that a good application of rtv wouldn't work but i have always used the gasket. Pointed side of thermostat goes up so you can see it.. The flat part with the brass part of the thermostat goes into the motor. If the oil pan gasket is a one piece rubber it should last longer than the car as long as you don't rip it

 

[Black 93 Fox]

Im with bowtiekiller on this one. Every timing cover I have done has also had a gasket. If you go to schucks you can get a timing cover gasket set it includes the timing cover gasket, water pump gasket maybe a t-stat gasket, crank sleve ring(think thats what you call it?) and also the front part of the oil pan gasket its already cut just have to cut the old one out and put in the new one.
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDet...L&MfrPartNumber=TCS45450&PartType=106&PTSet=A

Black 93 Fox

 

[Black 93 Fox]

the timing cover does not have any gasket material between it and the block.

No timing cover gasket???
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDet...L&MfrPartNumber=TCS45450&PartType=106&PTSet=A

 

[5spd GT]

Install a timing cover gasket (silicone would work) but the gasket would be much cleaner...

On my motorcraft 180 thermostat it pointed an arrow and said "towards radiator" on it...if their is a bleed hole I believe it faces upwards...the spring faces towards the intake...

I wouldn't put no more than 100shot on a stock engine if he wants the future reliability and less risk of messing up a potential daily driver...

I had a one-piece oil pan gasket and I just reused it with no leaks...you do not need to replace the entire oil pan gasket anyways...you can cut out the little "half-moon" on the oil pan down by your crank sprocket on the timing chain...and replace it with a new half-moon...

I installed a very thin layer of silicone on the block (timing cover surface) and then stuck the gasket on...let it sit...then put another bead of thin silicone on the other side of the gasket...let it sit and then installed the timing cover...make sure you keep the dowel pins in the block to help align the cover...

Good Luck

 

[TheUser]

The spring on the thermostat definately goes inside your lower intake...the best way to remember is to undertand how it works: Basically, when the coolant gets to the desired temp of the thermostat, it melts the wax, which allows the spring to expand and open up the unit to let coolant flow through

Yeah, timing covers do have gaskets, which is why the sell 'em. Don't replace your oil pan gasket unless you have to and it sounds like the motor is in the car, so definately a pain to do.

I generally have a problem getting that stupid seal at the bottom of the timing cover where it meets the oil pan to fit right...grr I hate that. Also, be careful if you do change the crank seal thing. I take a small piece of wood and move it around and hit each side evenly and kinda tap it in that way...be careful to not break your timing cover as those are easily broken.

Be sure you torque everything to spec and use a good torque wrench and common sense lol, I torqued one and my torque wrench didn't click, I kept going and snapped it off in the block....had to pull it back off.

Good Luck

 

[stealthracing]

i stand corrected, the factory does have a gasket between the timing cover and block, i never put it back and used silicon which to this day has been fine. sorry for the misleading info.

 

[Grandmaster]

Where are the dowel pins and what are they exactly? I didn't see any clips or anything when i took it off. Maybe if i get an idea of what they are i can check when i get home. I dont remember anything sounding like it fell into the oil pan and i stuffed a rag in it shortly after the cover was removed....so....
-E

 

[5spd GT]

The User - Thanks for the spring correction...I will edit it...

The dowel pins (its been a while since I did it) will either be stuck at the bottom of your timing cover or stuck in the block on the where the timing cover mounts to the block. You will see the dowel pins if they are there...if they are not there your timing cover has most likely been off before and they removed it for ease of installation...