Timing Cover

[lilfordrunner]

Took the timing cover off my 93 ford explorer to adjust the valve timing. When I put it back on, I put RTV all around, stuck the gasket on, and put a bit on the bottom of the timing cover where it connects with the sump. HOWEVER I did NOT put RTV in the little U section of the sump (like an idiot). How screwed am I? What kind of damage, if any, is that going to cause.

This is my FIRST engine rebuild…go easy on me.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

What do you mean to adjust valve timing?

You changed the timing chain?

And by sump I guess you mean oil pan?

 

[lilfordrunner]

Yeah, the timing was off. I bought the engine attached to a wrecked explorer, so its been a work in progress..

yes, the oil pan

 

[PanamaExpat]

I just put a new timing set, pan gasket, and timing cover gasket on my 4.0 when I went through it. Judging by the way it is built I would say if you did not silicone the hump you will have a leak. If not at first it will start within a couple of months. Then your truck will be the pariah of all your friends driveways. Did you put on a new pan gasket? If not it might be a good time to consider it.

 

[lilfordrunner]

I just put a new timing set, pan gasket, and timing cover gasket on my 4.0 when I went through it. Judging by the way it is built I would say if you did not silicone the hump you will have a leak. If not at first it will start within a couple of months. Then your truck will be the pariah of all your friends driveways. Did you put on a new pan gasket? If not it might be a good time to consider it.

Yeah, I put a new pan gasket in. I've rebuilt the entire engine from the block up. Everything is new. Just did the timing wrong. Looks like the timing cover is coming back off. Thanks.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Yeah... A ten dollar gasket kit is well worth the money to avoid those nasty oil leaks. I have to keep an eye on myself from getting to excited and missing a few steps here and there too. I am just about to set the engine back on the frame for my build. Maybe as early as tomorrow. That poor motor looked so nice and compact hanging on the engine stand then came the jigsaw puzzle of putting all the sensors, wiring, vacuum systems and everything belt driven back on. That has taken a little over a week and I swear you can't see the engine any more.

 

[Andy D]

Yeah... A ten dollar gasket kit is well worth the money to avoid those nasty oil leaks. I have to keep an eye on myself from getting to excited and missing a few steps here and there too. I am just about to set the engine back on the frame for my build. Maybe as early as tomorrow. That poor motor looked so nice and compact hanging on the engine stand then came the jigsaw puzzle of putting all the sensors, wiring, vacuum systems and everything belt driven back on. That has taken a little over a week and I swear you can't see the engine any more.

Keep us posted on your progress PE. When I was working on the Rat . I would put in at least a 1/2 hour a day . even if it was just to sweep the floor and pick up tools.