Timing Chain Cover Gasket

[helpme]

Decided to change my timing chain cover gasket on a 94 3.0 Ranger (265Kmiles). I've heard that I may have to pull the pan. (Doesn't look like it to me.) This is an old Vulcan with rotary distributor. I've done a timing chain before (AMC Gremlin 232) and didn't have to drop the pan. Anybody done this on an old Vulcan before? Thanks.

 

[RonD]

You need to loosen the oil pan so it drops down a bit in the front, but some do it without this

 

[delaware74b]

I was able to pull the timing cover without loosening the oil pan on my '04. I used gray Permatex to seal up the pan/timing cover joints. No leaks in 115K miles with synthetic blend oil. Timing set is only 1 bolt on the cam. Replace all 3 parts (2 gears and chain, no guides or tensioners on the Vulcan 3.0)

 

[Ramcharger90]

Permatex the right stuff. I love it and it cleans up easy if you have to remove it later.

 

[helpme]

Thanks. Dorman has a gasket, seal and cover set for $160 on Ebay.
What size bolts are used on the harmonic balancer? I think the bolts in my old HB puller kit are SAE.
Thanks.

 

[helpme]

I heard there can be a problem with the long bolts rusting out. Anybody have trouble with those? Thanks.

 

[Shran]

Here's a little trick for the harmonic balancer... you can (at least on the 4.0, probably true on the 3.0 too) take two bolts out that hold the AC compressor on and use them with your puller. They thread into the balancer and are the perfect length.