I tightened it to 29 foot pounds and one of the gaskets actually squeezed out towards the bottom a little bit. felt like I was making it too tight. Researched it a little and found that TA only recommends 20 foot pounds. Hoping its okay
Some guys insist on using a torque wrench for everything, I do not. For head, intake, bearing caps, etc, yes, not for smaller bolts. I’ve seen too many stripped threads and broken bolts from that. Water pumps, carburetor and the like, I snug the bolts up.
The smaller bolts on water pump only spec 7 foot pounds which I did that. My gut told me 29 for the timing cover was a bit high but am trying to do everything by the book. They all tightened nicely accept for the bottom 2 which kind of squished the gasket. Is this a for sure leak now? Is it crazy to back them all off a little? I was planning on working on this engine all night.
Not a for sure leak, but loosen it, take it off. Evaluate the integrity of the gasket and retry. Go for a healthy amount, but not too much
Well I can loosen it or I can take it off. Those are two different suggestions. It was a few hours ago that I put it on so I think I would most definitely need a new gasket at this point. there was a small amount of RTV on both sides of it. Surely its dry by now
So even if the RTV has been on there for a few hours and I go ahead and take it off can I possibly reuse it? or will I be waiting 3 or 4 days for new gasket to come in the mail?
RTV after several hours is still in its “puddy” form. It takes 24 hrs for it to really harden, you should be safe to remove it. I meant loosen, then remove the cover.
little bits of the rtv that has oozed out is actually completely dry. I get that where ists sandwiched will still be tacky. I'm just afraid the gaskets going to be ruined. I think I might just take my chances. I'll keep the bolts at 29 foot pounds unless there is some sort of benefit to backing them off a little bit
might have another problem. my new pickup tube from ta performance puts the oil pickup screen 1/4 inch off the bottom of the oil pan. Which is a little bit lower than the stock one. is it going to be a problem?
I figured out a way to measure it. I actually have 3/8. BUT I'm having another problem. I'm almost certain that my front timing cover seal is going to rub directly on the knurled part of the harmonic balancer shaft. This has caused bad oil leaks for a few other guys here on the boards. Is there any options that dont require me buying a $250 harmonic balancer?
Smear thin film of grease on balancer and slide it on. You will see witness mark where seal lip rides. Eng Looks good. Hope headers are just on for looks, that eng won't go in with them bolted up.
They are just on for looks. I had to modify a few of the header holes because I had to drill and tap 7 of the exhaust bolts and a couple of them were off center. I will try the grease trick.
