DIY Timing cover leak repair?
 

I've got a pretty decent timing cover/valve cover leak and not only do I doubt the dealership is going to honor a warranty on any part of my car, but I also just don't trust them. So I'm trying to compile all the information and parts I'll need to get the engine sealed up myself, but I've found next to no info from people that have done it. The FSM is helpful but bland as always. Has anyone done this that can share some advice learned during the process? Obviously there are plenty of seals and O-rings to buy before hand, valve cover gaskets and such. Are there any that aren't so obvious that would be easy to over look?

I'm also curious as to whether anyone has tried an alternate sealant that worked out well. I'm sure most will say the factory sealant is the only option but I'm not convinced considering how many failures I see reported. Might RTV Black be better? Does it need red? Any other suggestions? I definitely want to use the very best sealant I can that will have the lowest chance of leaking in the future.

It's pretty involved to reseal it yourself. Lots of engine parts have to come out: air box, crank pulley, alternator, A/C compressor, water pump, header, part of engine harness just to access the 25+ bolts that hold the front timing cover on. It is a royal PITA if you're attempting to do it yourself.

For sealant, Subaru has Fujibond. There's also something called Threebond. And Hondabond is a pretty good sealant as well from my working on Honda days.

Here's the TSB for it: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=187

I'm actually planning to just pull the engine out and do a new valve cover gasket on one side and spark plugs all at once and have plenty of space to make sure to get everything clean and perfect. Half the reason I'm not going to the dealer is that I don't want it to ever leak again haha.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Well, CoolHandMoss, have you had experience taking a newer engine apart and putting it back together ... ??

Not doubting your ability ...... just curious.....;)


humfrz

No, but I borrowed a tool kit from my dad so I'm set. :thumbsup:

Yes, tools are a good start ..... :thumbsup:

Does your dad live close and is he an experienced automobile mechanic .....??

Or, do you have a friend that is a auto mechanic ...??


humfrz

Wait, do tinker toys count? :iono:

Tinker toys don't count but having an erector set would count......;)

Seriously, I'd just hate to see you get in over your head on this project .... :iono:


humfrz

Thanks for the concern.

Now, has anyone done this specific project that wouldn't mind sharing some experience based insight?

I pulled the engine to reseal it, doing plugs sucked enough. It’s really straightforward if you’ve worked on other rwd cars, try removing the transmission and if that gives you hell just put everything back because resealing the engine is a beast on its own even after you pull it out of the bay. [emoji1360][emoji1360][emoji1360][emoji1360]

So what sealant did you use? Did it work well?

DIY Timing cover leak repair?
 

Whatever subaru gave me at the parts counter... i wanna say it was a plain white or grey tube. I did my drivers side valve cover at the same time and so far (11k miles) it’s been leak free

Good deal. Thanks for weighing in. I'm all ears if you think of any other advice.

I would imagine that you could reseal the timing cover on the car with all the accessory pulleys, radiator, condenser, crash beam, and upper radiator support beam removed.

As for what seals are required, I’d refer to the service manual for that...


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