Topic: Oil Leaks!!! Timing cover won't stay sealed!

[Lonestar Honcho]

What am I doing wrong? I am about to embark on the THIRD time of trying to seal my timing cover. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Is this really supposed to be this hard? I'm using the regular sealant from O'Reilly's. I have even let it sit a night or two before I ran the engine.

I'm thinking of going to the Toyota dealership and getting OEM brand sealant. I even have a brand new timing cover to match the motor.

Does anyone have any tips or advice for me? Thanks.

[Sparkplug]

where does it leak from? did you get the right cover? Ive always used gray sealant, and it has worked everytime.

Edit: i apply thickly all around bolts and where it would sit, snug all bolts lil tighter than hand tight, let it sit for like 20 min, harden gasket, then i torque it down.

[Lonestar Honcho [OP]]

Yep I'm using same stuff. Guess I'm over doing it.

Maybe third times a charm...

[OOPS]

Are you sure it is the cover and not the crank seal? If the harmonic balancer (front pulley) has a groove worn it it the seal will not seal. Oil will leak and be thrown out by the balancer.

[Sparkplug]

yes this is very true, being i have same prob in my 85, thats the only spot it leaks from. Where can one get a new front pulley, ive tried searching rock auto, but maybe im looking in the wrong section?


edit, found it, 65 bucks

[kneedownnate]

It sounds to me like his timing chain cover is what's actually leaking, where it mates to the block, and is either warped or cracked.  Either way, it sounds like you're doing it right, worked for me on a few truck and street bike engines, but you shouldn't have to goop it on, and too much is as bad as too little.  You want a thin bead.  Ultra gray should work fine, but toyota fipg is great stuff and well worth it too, made my pan gasket out of it on my latest engine and it's yet to leak in the last couple years