Timing cover replacement / Gasketing techniques

[Yankee516]

Afternoon experts,

I've been posting a thread of my actions on replacing a timing cover gasket on a 1999 Explorer 5.0L AWD. Already did the rebuild using the cork kit, but lord knows if it will hold pressure. Kindly provide opinions on my latest posting using rtv blue/black as a back-up gasket for the cover to pan if the cork doesn't hold up.

THANK YOU!

--Phil

p.s. Hope the write up is helpful for removing the radiator and separating it from the condenser. Read a couple of threads, but none fully captured the "live" experience (and angst).

 

[Turdle]

Worst case scenario-
I was able to replace the entire oil pan with the engine in the truck. You will need to say all kind of beechus though.

The steering rack must come out, and, the engine must be raised to the max, and, supported well enough to have the confidence to put your hand in between the pan and block while R&R'ing the oil pump. The pump has to be dropped into the pan to get the pan out. Also, the oil pump drive shaft must be held into place while holding the oil pump up, all while working through about a 3" space as the pan has to be dangling under while you install the pump.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242451&highlight=omg

read through for some interesting " no guts no glory" pictures.

 

[Yankee516]

You just scared the bejeezus out of me, man! That sounds like an accident waiting to happen for me, although I'm sure it is possible. I just don't have the space and tools to do an engine lift that way, not to mention I'm working outside and can't count on jacks on the grass driveway to keep everything stable.

There must be a (somewhat) lasting way to use build-a-gasket and proper curing to replace the stock gasket removed in the felpro modification without using the cork. Isn't this just the type of application that permatex blue/black is designed for? :scratch:

 

[Yankee516]

Got the following message back from Surf:

The removal of the timing cover did not damage the oil pan gasket. I did mine on an OHV 4.0 so it might be configured differently. I think if the gasket is damaged you could use the replacement cork material or buy a replacement gasket and just cut out the part you need if you damage the gasket. In my case I did not damage the gasket so I did not need to replace any portion. One thing I failed to do was put enough Black RTV on the mating surfaces when I reinstalled the timing cover so I have a very slight oil leak. If I had it to do over again I would probably use more RTV. Good luck! This repair can be pain.

What a great idea, can't believe it never occurred to me... Anyone ever try the OE oil gasket and cutting it to fit the exposed part of the pan below the cover? Will take a lot of tiny cuts to get the right fit, but maybe some black RTV will seal it up... any thoughts?

 

[ranger7ltr]

It was designed that way...

It seems that most of the timing cover gaskets for the 5 liter Ford come with the little cork extensions for the interface between the fromt cover and the very front of the oil pan...

Use the RTV to cover the seam and the edges of the gasket pieces, assemble it, tighten it but don't over tighten it, and fill the engine up and watch it for leaks for a few days..

You will be ok...

And I am sooo glad I don't need awd or 4wd...I can drop the pan from underneath after removing the starter and the bolts to the front cover and oil pan...

 

[Rory]

Can some one describe the lower thermostat housing gasket for a 2000 Explorer XLT
4.0 SOHC.

Thank you,
Rory
New Member