Timing Cover Gaskets

[tlcsho]

I am finishing the the 60K Front Maintenance on a 93 with an ATX. How critical are the gaskets on the timing belt cover? The middle and bottom cover from this car are in good shape but the gaskets are shot. Is is worth buying new covers or can I find the rubber gasket sets somewhere?

 

[rbruso]

The gaskets are mostly there to help keep dust and debris out. There are people who have run without covers at all, though I'd be afraid of getting a rock caught between the belt and the lower gear. Without the rubber on the edge the covers should still fit and do their job, but they might chatter against the back plate. Never tried, so I don't know for sure.

You are not going to find covers or their gaskets new. Good used would be your best bet. Either check the parts for sale section or post a 'wanted to buy' ad.

 

[zach44102]

I have no covers at all. Dont worry about it.

 

[Off Road SHO]

But if you ARE worried AND you want some bling, serious bling then you want one of my custom machined, from a solid block of aluminum, upper timing cover. It has an o-ring and groove to fit snugly against the backing plate. I only have six left. They have YAMAHA machined into the outward facing surface, and of course they are polished.

Tom

 

[zach44102]

But if you ARE worried AND you want some bling, serious bling then you want one of my custom machined, from a solid block of aluminum, upper timing cover. It has an o-ring and groove to fit snugly against the backing plate. I only have six left. They have YAMAHA machined into the outward facing surface, and of course they are polished.

Tom

I give 40$ final offer.

 

[SHOtimer]

Just because other people run without them doesn't mean it is a good idea.

What others have done is run a bead of RTV against the cover - let the RTV dry, then it acts like a gasket when it is pushed up against the motor. Not as durable as the original gasket, but does the job (ie: keep dirt/debris/water out)

Doug

 

[tlcsho]

SHOtimer:
Thanks for the quick and practical solution. By the way how do you like your Mark VIII? If my other Ford (88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe) goes down I think a Mark VIII might be my next ride.

 

[Irish Pride]

But if you ARE worried AND you want some bling, serious bling then you want one of my custom machined, from a solid block of aluminum, upper timing cover. It has an o-ring and groove to fit snugly against the backing plate. I only have six left. They have YAMAHA machined into the outward facing surface, and of course they are polished.

Tom

PM sent.

 

[Off Road SHO]

I give 40$ final offer.

40.00 wouldn't even buy one in this state...



BIG bucks will get you one in this state...



Tom

 

[rbruso]

Mmmm, shiny.

On an older thread, someone mentioned the aluminum cover would only fit on a 3.2. If that's true, do you know why?

Each time I see that picture I fantasize about one of those bad boys under the hood.

 

[Off Road SHO]

Mmmm, shiny.

On an older thread, someone mentioned the aluminum cover would only fit on a 3.2. If that's true, do you know why?

Each time I see that picture I picture one of those bad boys under the hood.

That is correct. They only fit the 3.2 engine.

Tom

 

[SHOtimer]

SHOtimer:
Thanks for the quick and practical solution. By the way how do you like your Mark VIII? If my other Ford (88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe) goes down I think a Mark VIII might be my next ride.

I love it. It is my weekend/out of town car. I think having the SHO and Mark VIII is the best of both worlds. I haven't had problems with my Mark, but i've been very proactive on maintanence and taking care of known problems before they happen.

They do have their pit-falls though.

Shoot me a PM if any other questions.

Doug