I have an L98 350 and the timing chain cover is leaking at the base where it meets the oil pan. I was thinking of loosing the motor mounts and using a jack and lifting the motor a little to remove the oil pan so that I can put a new chrome timing chain cover on correctly. Is this the best method or is there an easier way?

I already tried snipping the corners of the cover and sliding it into the oil pan but it still is leaking.

Need some assistance!! Thanks.

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1989 Pontiac Formula L98 Ported Plenum, Edelbrock 6085 Heads, Edelbrock HI-FLO Intake, BBK 52MM TB, Edelbrock TES, FlowMaster 3" Exhaust, Dual Cats, 3.27 Gear, CompuCam 2032 Cam, 1.5 Rollers, Ed Wright FastChip, Accel Super Coil, MSD 8mm Wires

 

Aww man thats a beotch, I feel for you.. As for the chrome timing cover, I have heard that they are notorious for leaking themselves but I am sure that there are guys here that have had success with them. Hey, DON'T jack that motor up on the harmonic balancer or the pully! You might bend something or distort the end of the crank.. (doubtful but don't try it ok?) You really ought to see if you could borrow a hoist or get a cheapo come-along (racheting pull device) and put it under the good ole' shade tree. And here is my 2 cents on the whole thing.. The oil pan gasket area might be what's leaking hate to say. Since you had the idea of pulling the pan, you should replace the gasket on the pan with a nice 1 piece gasket like an SCE or something. I think they are around 30 bucks but if it stops the leak then hell yeah right? They are really good quality, I have one on my motor and loved the ease of installation. On another note, ARP makes some awesome stud kits for the oil pan and the timing cover that are lifesavers while attempting to do a god-awful job like this while the motor is in the car still. They are cheap, help stop leaks and you will have them for a long time to come too. Good luck!

 

If you do decide to go with a chrome timing cover, I suggest you use sand paper and sand down the side of the cover that mates with the block. Reason people have a problem with chrome parts leaking is that chrome is very slippery and they bolt it to their engine without sanding it down. By sanding the chrome, you get a better seal.

 

Had heard people say you need to drop the pan but I just did my 84 Z. Loostened just a few bolts in the pan at the front. When I put the timing cover on, just put the bottom bolts in the timing cover and as I tightened them, guided the seal in with a screwdriver. I went slowly and worked my way the lenth of the seal and it seems to be sitting in there nicely. Then I ran a continuous bead of black gasket maker over the whole joint. I will be amazed if this thing leaks.