[MG-70]

I'm thinking of resealing the timing chain cover when I replace the water pump. I'm lining up the parts now.

I thought it as just an RTV like Permatex Ultra Black or something, but I just noticed on rockauto that there's a timing cover seal kit that I wasn't aware of, given, I haven't fully studied the procedure.

For those who've done this job, what parts do I need, other than the tools, cleaning materials, etc., and the RTV?

Also, is 3oz of RTV enough for timing chain cover and oil pan?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MG-70]

I just ordered the gasket kit, there was only one option by Mahle, after figuring out it's for the crankshaft and the timing chain tensioner. It would be wonderful if rockauto called it something better than "timing cover gasket"! Also ordered two RTVs, since I remembered using some around the bolts when I resealed the valve cover.

Cheers

 

[Brad_G]

Yeah there wasn't a factory gasket for the timing cover itself. As you found, there are a few seals for related parts that interface with the timing cover. Is it leaking now? Seems an uncommon problem. Generally valve cover and other things leak and give the illusion that the timing cover is leaking.

That cover is going to be a b*tch to remove, reseal, and replace (without messing up the bead of sealant) while the engine is in the car. So unless you are 1000% sure it's leaking I wouldn't touch it. You're more likely to create more problems than fix. That's just my personal opinion.

 

[speedkar9]

Crankshaft front seal. Since the valve cover is off you can also replace it's gasket, spark plug tube seals, PCV valve, etc. Good time to replace the belt/idler/tensioner pulley as well.

 

[MG-70]

Brad_G, I am Not 100% sure it's leaking, but I need to replace the water pump, the intermediate P/S return tube/pipe/hose due to corrosion, and the front hose on the P/S fluid reservoir that has a slow, annoying leak. That whole area to the right of the P/S reservoir all the way down to the rear of the oil pan is filthy and will need to be cleaned before and after I do the work. I'm not sure if it's just the leaking P/S reservoir, or if the timing chain cover is leaking too, but since I can use a borrowed garage and spare car for 7-10 days, I thought I'd buy the seal kit and RTV for the timing chain cover, which I have found multiple vids on and have read that is very common for this vintage Camry, and I also bought the oil pan gasket which comes with it's own RTV. Unrelated, but I will also be replacing the Right cv drive axle with the same Cardone aftermarket unit that has lasted me 7-8 years, and brake pads all the way around, with Beck Arnley ceramics which have also served me very well in the past.

I guess I'll only know if the timing chain cover needs replacing after I clean everything up and fix the leaking P/S reservoir. The only extra parts I bought for it were the said seal kit and an extra tube of RTV; both cheap.

Speedkar9, Very good to see your reply. Last time I hung around here I think you were playing with a 330ES! Can I re-use a valve cover seal, the silicone one, that's 4 years old?

What are the signs of a bad tensioner pulley/s?

In May, 2022, I bought a Beck Arnley (IIRC) PCV valve and it leaked, so I returned it, cleaned the one I had, and it worked fine. I've done that before with other cars without any issues.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Brad_G]

If you have the time and space and want to do it, then by all means have at it. I guess I haven't heard about it being an issue. My personal belief is that the valve cover, timing chain tensioner, VVTi solenoid, and especially the power steering are far more likely suspects and give the illusion that the timing cover is at fault. It might weep and collect a little dirt, and have an appearance of dried oil. For me personally that's not worth the risk/reward of tearing it all apart to reseal.

I too need to replace some power steering hoses due to leak so I'll be following along with interest. Good luck with your project. 🍻

 

[MG-70]

Brad_G, I hope I don't have to reseal the timing chain cover but wanted to be ready in case I did. One of the worst things when working under a car is having to stop and go look for and pick up a part. I've only resealed one timing chain cover, it was on my favorite car ever, a 1994 Mustang GT, don't remember running into problems but it may be trickier on the Camry. I'll look into how and where the timing chain tensioner and VVTI solenoid can leak; thanks for the heads-up! Oh, I just remembered, I'm also going to replace the radiator, it was leaking where the plastic meets the aluminum up top. I did find a gasket kit for just that, but ended up buying a replacement radiator made for the models with the towing package, which is a little thicker.

Cheers

 

[kenny-bob]

How many miles on the car?

It sounds like you have to clean it up good and fix the known PS leaks, then run it awhile to see if the timing cover is leaking. Of course if it is leaking then you might want to pull it and reseal, but i wouldn't want to do that job unless absolutely necessary. It can be done in the car but it is a pain and would be easier with the engine removed. The FSM for the later models calls for engine removal to pull the timing cover due to impossible access to the thermostat housing!

Make sure to bleed the air from the engine when doing the water pump to avoid the Bad Thing when the engine overheats.

 

[MG-70]

kenny-bob, It's between 202-203K right now. I rather not do the timing chain cover either, but have found some vids on youtube where guys loosen some bolts under the right wheel well and jack the engine a bit and are able to do it with the engine on car. When dealers do it, it's a whole different story, of course, in know-how, equipment, and cost! A few years back I bought one of those nifty funnels where one person can easily burp the cooling system and it was well worth the $20 or so dollars I paid.

Cheers