Removing timing cover without removing the engine?? is it possible?

[sk8ermonkey]

Hello. I'm curious to know whether it is possible to remove the timing cover off of my Explorer's engine without having to remove the entire engine. It is a '96 XLS V-6 4-wheel drive vehicle. The reason I am asking is because the Explorer service manual says that the entire engine must be removed in order to change the timing cover gasket. I do not want to go ahead on this job until I know it is possible to remove the cover without taking out the engine. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions concerning this?

Thanks in advance.

Dave
:redexp:

 

[fastcougar]

Anything is possible if you have enough patience

1) drain and remove the radiator/fan assymbly
2) start removing stuff in your way (pullies and accessories)

You should then have enough room to work in, but like I said, it will try your patience since most of the work will be "blind" and require a lot of second checking ... torque specs are hard to get rigtht in tight spots.

One advantage to pulling the engine is that you can inspect the rear main seal and have much better access to everything else on the engine. This also allows you access to the bell housing and more importantly the torque converter

 

[sk8ermonkey]

thanx

Thanks a lot...that's all i wuz looking for...an affirmative from someone that it is possible. Very much appreciated.

 

[fastcougar]

Don't take my word for it ... I am just speculating that if you remove the radiator, it SHOULD be possible since that frees up about 6 inches. However, it MUCH easier to see and align things when working with something like the timing cover if the engine is out of the car. Go to your local dealer, walk into the work bays and ask one of the "older" mechanics what he/she would suggest you do.

 

[suzukid124]

Yes, i am in the process of it right now!

It is very east to work with after removing the fan/shroud/radiator, don't forget the alternator, power steering pump, and a/c compressor, i also took off the water pump, because that was a lot easier, and provided a lot more room to work with, I am taking the timing cover off tomorrow, because i have to find bolts to fit the pulley for the pulley remover at a local hardware store, but yes it is easy to work without pulling the engine. Hope this helps!

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Supposedly the oil pan has to be removed before the timing cover can come off, and that's why the manuals recommend pulling the engine.
However, you can use RTV sealant to seal the bottom of the timing cover (instead of the stock gasket), and do the work with the engine in the vehicle.

 

[bisjoe]

There is some good info here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298&page=4