Timing chain cover coolant leak - possible ways to fix?

[98v70dad]

I've noticed a tiny leak at the typical location (passenger side top visible bolt) and am wondering if there is a way to "fix" it temporarily or indefinitely. Removing the cover and replacing the gasket is a lot of work for an almost 30 year old truck, Paying someone to do it will cost about what the truck is worth. I could do it myself but even though I like working on cars its really way more than I want to do.

The leak is more like a weep. It takes 6 months to lose 2 cups worth of coolant. So, I have thought of a couple of options. 1) Do nothing and keep topping up the coolant 2) Try tightening the bolt at the leak a bit 3) Take the bolt out clean it up chase the threads and reseal it with permatex and teflon tape 4) Put some Bar's leaks liquid aluminum in and see if it helps. I'm leaning towards the Bar's leaks and hoping for the best.

Typically, I don't like repairs in a bottle but the leak is pretty small and the truck is old. A little extra "protection" everywhere might not be a bad idea. I would do a thorough flush and fill of the coolant first. I think I may eventually bite the bullet and do the gasket replacement along with radiator and hoses but now is not the time because I'm too busy with other projects.

Thoughts/suggestions. ??????

 

[19Walt93]

Bars leak works sometimes but often clogs heater core passages, too. A 7 lb radiator cap might slow the leak a little for a while but a new gasket is the cure. If you decide to put it off, I'd let it sit overnight and crack the oil drain plug to see if coolant drips out- in case the gasket is also leaking internally.

 

[dvdswan]

I would use the Permatex on the threads and be done. No Teflon tape.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would also try aviation gasket sealer. It never hardens so should unbolt pretty easy.

 

[98v70dad]

I would use the Permatex on the threads and be done. No Teflon tape.

The bolt under the leak is one of the three that go into the coolant passages. But the leak looks like its coming thru the gasket and not underneath the bolt head. I'm not convinced that sealing up that bolt is going to stop the leak. Its actually the easiest thing to do other than doing nothing. Pretty easy access. That is a very long bolt so it may be necessary to remove something to get it out - don't know. Will anyone comment on that?

I'm not sure sealing up the bolt will be the end of it though. Do you have experience with doing that?

Bars leak works sometimes but often clogs heater core passages, too. A 7 lb radiator cap might slow the leak a little for a while but a new gasket is the cure. If you decide to put it off, I'd let it sit overnight and crack the oil drain plug to see if coolant drips out- in case the gasket is also leaking internally.

Its had a slow leak for years. I always do my own oil changes and there is never any coolant in the oil. But that could always change - I had planned to check it but haven't gotten to it yet.

 

[98v70dad]

I would also try aviation gasket sealer. It never hardens so should unbolt pretty easy.

Not sure what you mean by that. Aviation sealer on that one bolt instead of permatex? I am trying to ovoid taking off the timing belt cover. The truck only has 100K miles on it and I'm pretty sure the timing belt is fine so taking off the cover (an enormous PITA) to seal a tiny leak is something I like to avoid.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Not sure what you mean by that. Aviation sealer on that one bolt instead of permatex? I am trying to ovoid taking off the timing belt cover. The truck only has 100K miles on it and I'm pretty sure the timing belt is fine so taking off the cover (an enormous PITA) to seal a tiny leak is something I like to avoid.

Yeah, I was talking just bolt.