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General Tech Timing Cover Gasket Flub Up

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KVH

KVH

Obi Wan
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I'm so frustrated. It seems I can't fix anything right now. I just put my timing cover on with a new gasket. I used a blue gasket maker from a 6 year old unopened tube. It seemed a bit like Hylomar, and I wasn't worried about anything. The instructions recommended it for timing covers. After I got the cover reinstalled and torqued I could see large pieces of my gasket torn and protruding from the sides of the timing cover. Due to the angle I was working, I didn't notice anything awry while I was reinstalling the cover. But, seriously, it's as if something shredded my gasket or as if the bolts bound up in the fibers at each bolt hole and pulled and tore at it. It was torn and distorted in at least four places. I've never seen such a thing. Anyone else?
 
I have experienced that when I didn't follow the torque specs for the timing cover and sump bolts. I'm not saying you did that but I know it is what caused the problem for me.
 
I've had that too, often with both cork and paper type gaskets used on timing covers and oil pans. Hylomar is very "slick". If you put it down and immediately torque the gaskets, the lubricating quality of the hylomar can shred the paper gasket. I've experienced the same thing with silicone sealants too. I learned that when I use those type gasket sealers I use very little on the gasket, and I only install the bolts snugly at first. I wait an hour or so and then finally torque the bolts to spec. Remember that most gaskets don't need any sealer added at all, so only use the very thinnest line as "insurance", if the metal is gouged or pitted. Large amounts add to the tendancy to shred the paper.

The thicker, viscous, gasket maker has less of a tendency to shred.
 
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The last timing cover gasket I got in a kit was so thin it was worthless. I bought some heavy gasket material and used it for a pattern. Heck that might have actually moved the timing cover seal out to a new spot on the hub by pushing every out some. Plus the holes on the cover get pooched out and sharp and need to be pounded back.
steve
 
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