1983 z28, 305, the timing cover is leaking down by the rubber seal, what is the best way to fix it without taking the timing cover off?

 

You could pull the balancer and pop the seal out with a screwdriver. But it will be easier to pull the balancer and the timing cover and knock the seal out from backside.

 

If an oil additive will stop your leak, this one will:

http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/no_leak/default.aspx

I've used the engine oil treatment in two engines and it slowed or stopped the leaks. I'm not one to do the additive thing; I just tried it to buy some time before I can repair the leak properly.

 

no no no its not the oil seal that goes in the timing cover over the crank shaft behind the balancer its the very bottom rubber seal that goes between the timing cover and the oil pan.

 

new pan gasket.... or if its temporary remove the front 4 or so pan bolts on each side and loosen the back ones, enough to drop that pan down a little bit, load it up with RTV and sinch it back up.

 

You can leave the timing cover on and remove the pan. Replacing that seal doesn't require removing the timing cover.

 

ok cool thanks guys im tryin that in the mornin, didnt think of droppin the pan lol............ thanks!!!

 

Your going to have to raise your engine a little so you can get enough clearance to get the pan out. A few blocks of wood and hydraulic jack under the cranks shaft should do it, that's how I replaced my oil pan gasket and oil pump. Just make sure you notch the top block of wood so it doesn't roll off the crank.
Alex

 

Even with a forged crank I dont think I'd want to jack it up by the crank snout.

 

It won't hurt the crank.

 

why not take the water pump off, timing cover off and put a chain in it while you are there

if you drop the pan then why not change the oil pump

thats what I do with pretty much every high mileage engine and right now I have a 226k cavalier that runs like a top

 

I have a 1978 1500 2wd gmc with a 305. Its leaking down at the bottom of the timing cover but i just replaced all the seals on the timing cover and its still leaking!! I dont know what esle to do. Any Advice?? please help

 

That is a common oil leak on sbc. check the condition of your oil pan gasket when you loosen the pan, if it is in good shape , I would use some rtv on the front seal and tighten back up. Might as well replace timing cover seal and timing cover while your at it for peace of mind.