Symptoms of a Bad Timing Cover Gasket

With repeated exposure to heat, dirt and debris, expansion and contraction and lack of engine fluid maintenance, the timing cover gasket can become brittle, crack, shear away or suffer from compression set leading to gasket failure. The gasket material may split and leak in older applications. Symptoms of a failing timing cover gasket include:

• Engine oil or coolant stains on the ground (front center of engine)
• Engine low on oil
• Low coolant levels resulting in engine overheating
• Engine oil or coolant on the engine drive belts
• Crankcase oil contamination from coolant leakage (in some cases)

Checking for Timing Cover Leaks

If there is an abundance of dirt and grime around the timing cover, cylinder head area or engine block, use some degreaser to clean the area so you can see the bare metal near the timing cover, cylinder head or engine block joint. Check the area after running the engine for a bit and you’ll be able to see if the timing cover gasket is leaking.

Why Do Timing Cover Gaskets Fail?

There are several reasons on why timing cover gaskets fail. As timing covers are made from stamped steel or cast aluminum, the engine block may be made of cast iron or aluminum. These differences net different expansion and contraction rates, which can cause a shearing effect and lead to failure. Other reasons timing cover gaskets may fail include:

• Disturbance of the timing cover gasket seal during water pump replacement
• Sealing surface between timing cover and/or engine block surfaces is no longer flat due to warping
• Excessive over-tightening of timing cover fasteners may crush the gasket and lead to leakage
• Poor engine maintenance habits may result in material degradation

How to Install Fel-Pro Gaskets – Clean and Dry

Fel-Pro timing cover gaskets are designed so that no additional sealers are needed. Fel-Pro's premium materials compensate for surface imperfections and provide the proper amount of torque retention. Always consult the product instructions (if applicable) for sealing requirements prior to installation. Additional installation tips include:

• A two-step torque-up process is recommended especially on large timing covers
• Apply sealer to bolts entering water passage areas
• Install the timing cover gasket onto clean and dry surfaces; a small amount of RTV may be needed at corners, T-joints or stepped areas
• Cleaning discs are not recommended for gasket removal especially on aluminum castings
• Damaged cover sealing surfaces may require repair or replacement of the timing cover