DIY Timing cover leak repair?

[ZZT86]

@humfrz - good pickup on that typo, it was the timing chain cover edge which wept slightly & hey you're 100% correct - if it works it works, only cost me a few bucks in RTV

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by ermax

Timing cover is what’s in the pictures. Bank 2 down at the bottom seems to be where they typically leak. That’s where mine was leaking too. I was seriously considering your sponge fix though. Hahaha. Would still loose oil but maybe keep the mess to a minimum.

Yep, I think that @ZZT86 patch system is a more better solution than the sponge trick …


humfrz

[Joon525]

@ZZT86 how is your seal-from-the-outside holding up?

I may end up trying this since I think I have a leak in the same area.
Even if I eventually have to remove the timing cover to re-seal the whole thing this attempt isn't a lot of effort or difficult to clean up.

[CoolHandMoss]

I got this to try but then my car got totaled. My current BRZ does not leak significantly so I never got to try it.

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8209...gateway&sr=8-2

Just an idea.

[Joon525]

Originally Posted by CoolHandMoss

I got this to try but then my car got totaled. My current BRZ does not leak significantly so I never got to try it.

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8209...gateway&sr=8-2

Just an idea.

I didn't even know that existed. But I think the space down on the lower driver's side timing cover might be a little cramped to use that accurately. (?)
EDIT: I think this thing comes with a straw so maybe it's not a bad idea.

I still have to clean off the area and get a definitive answer before I take on any task but nice to know that product exists.

Also of interest

[gravitylover]

Originally Posted by CoolHandMoss

I got this to try but then my car got totaled. My current BRZ does not leak significantly so I never got to try it.

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8209...gateway&sr=8-2

Just an idea.

I've used that on a bunch of stuff including plumbing at home and it works great.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by gravitylover

I've used that on a bunch of stuff including plumbing at home and it works great.

I think they should have issued a can of that stuff from the factory with our cars -


humfrz

[gravitylover]

Originally Posted by humfrz

I think they should have issued a can of that stuff from the factory with our cars -


humfrz

Haha

[CoolHandMoss]

Originally Posted by Joon525

I didn't even know that existed. But I think the space down on the lower driver's side timing cover might be a little cramped to use that accurately. (?)
EDIT: I think this thing comes with a straw so maybe it's not a bad idea.

I still have to clean off the area and get a definitive answer before I take on any task but nice to know that product exists.

Also of interest

I think the permatex stuff is as good of an option as any for attempts at repair without disassembly. It is specifically designed for the purpose. I was unable to locate any locally though even after checking around extensively. I would advise that if you want to try it, just save yourself the trouble and order it.

[ZZT86]

Originally Posted by Joon525

@ZZT86 how is your seal-from-the-outside holding up?

I may end up trying this since I think I have a leak in the same area.
Even if I eventually have to remove the timing cover to re-seal the whole thing this attempt isn't a lot of effort or difficult to clean up.

Was fine after 1year+, no leaks. I have since had the dreaded valve spring jobie done on my car & so all that good work went down the toilet replaced by Subarus famous ThreeBond gray sealant. Car still running after 1000+kms . . . . I'll give it another 1000 before I call it a success, but even then you just never know with FIPG.

[Setgo]

Hey all, so I'm fixing my timing cover leak. As an update, you could do it while the engine is in the car, but you'll have a very very hard time removing the old rtv. Especially where the water pump is. How I am doing it is I removed the engine and have it on a stand. I did it this way because my valve covers were leaking too. It's a lot easier to do it with the engine out (obviously), but it's still difficult. I would suggest getting a gasket kit or order the individual o rings. Next you'll have to rtv the entire cover and then 4 spots inside the cover.

This is a painstakingly long process. Oh and also, there's a torquing pattern when you put the cover on. Cleaning the rtv off is taking most of my time and I was actually surprised that from factory, there is a crap-ton of rtv. Good luck to anyone that's doing it while it's in the car. For me, I've already spent a good 12 hours on it, with removing the engine, replacing my valves covers and halfway with the timing cover.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Setgo

Hey all, so I'm fixing my timing cover leak. As an update, you could do it while the engine is in the car, but you'll have a very very hard time removing the old rtv. Especially where the water pump is. How I am doing it is I removed the engine and have it on a stand. I did it this way because my valve covers were leaking too. It's a lot easier to do it with the engine out (obviously), but it's still difficult. I would suggest getting a gasket kit or order the individual o rings. Next you'll have to rtv the entire cover and then 4 spots inside the cover.

This is a painstakingly long process. Oh and also, there's a torquing pattern when you put the cover on. Cleaning the rtv off is taking most of my time and I was actually surprised that from factory, there is a crap-ton of rtv. Good luck to anyone that's doing it while it's in the car. For me, I've already spent a good 12 hours on it, with removing the engine, replacing my valves covers and halfway with the timing cover.

You can soften it with brake cleaner or acetone. Then use a brass bristled brush to get it off. I also recommend getting some 6 inch long 8 x 1.25 threaded bolts and cutting them off and grinding the ends to points. Then screwing them to the block to help guide the cover on. There are 32 bolts on the timing cover, 5 are a different torque. I numbered them all with sharpie, red for the 5 bolts that are 7ftlbs, and black for the others at 18ftlbs. It made torquing the cover down quicker and easier. It's a process.

[Setgo]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

You can soften it with brake cleaner or acetone. Then use a brass bristled brush to get it off. I also recommend getting some 6 inch long 8 x 1.25 threaded bolts and cutting them off and grinding the ends to points. Then screwing them to the block to help guide the cover on. There are 32 bolts on the timing cover, 5 are a different torque. I numbered them all with sharpie, red for the 5 bolts that are 7ftlbs, and black for the others at 18ftlbs. It made torquing the cover down quicker and easier. It's a process.

Good points. What I did to keep track of my bolt locations is get a piece of cardboard and punched holes as I removed each bolt.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Setgo

Good points. What I did to keep track of my bolt locations is get a piece of cardboard and punched holes as I removed each bolt.

I did that too to track them as I removed them, but I didn't want to keep having to reference the cardboard for the torque sequence.