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Tips
Tips

Timing Chain and Gasket treatment?

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TR4

TR4

Jedi Knight
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I will be pulling the timing chain cover on my TR4 to replace the front seal next weekend and have questions.

1. Is there a method to test the timing chain to see if it needs to be replaced while I'm in there? I have a new tensioner to put on along with the new seal.

2. Should I apply a dressing to the cover gasket to make sure I get a good seal? Is this a good place for a liquid gasket of some kind? What would you recommend? I just don't want to have to take the cover back off if it leaks so I'm looking for insurance.

Thanks,
Phil
 
My personal test is cost of new part vs. ease of getting to it. When I go into an area that I know I do not want to visit again any time soon, I replace.
As for a chemical sealant, I prefer The Right Stuff from Permatex. It's in a Cheese Whiz can, easy to apply and works well. It is a rubber base, not an RTV.
 
Clean it well before doing anything. I personally like the old style red Aviation cement or Permatex for these, but to each his own. Give it time to set up and dry properly before you install it and make sure that the surface is clean and oil free on both the cover and the block. I did say that twice, didn't I?

The other important area is the crank seal and to make sure that there is no groove on the shaft where the seal rides that can leak on you. There are sleeves available if you find that you have a groove, because rest assured, it will leak if it's there.
 
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