SBC timing cover seal problem....

[MadBrax]

I pulled the motor out of my Malibu wagon to reseal the engine, Small block 400. I replaced the timing cover because it was a little beat up. The new cover was a chrome one off the shelf at my local auto parts store and had the crankshaft seal pre-installed. After about 5 minutes of engine run time the front began to leak oil. I found that the pre-installed seal had un-installed itself. No biggie I'll just replace the seal right? Wrong...

The original seal was slightly more snug fitting than the new one but it walked out nonetheless.

Opinions and suggestions welcome and appreciated. I really don't want to pull the oil pan and water pump to replace the timing cover...

 

[TURNA]

Sounds defective to me. I know it suxx but a little extra time now replacing it with a quality part will save you a huge headache in the future!!

 

[565bbchevy]

I would first try a different seal, I have seen variances between different brands.
When you find a "snug" one I like to scuff up both surfaces and use Loctite retaining compound to hold it.

 

[fleming442]

*China

 

[melloelky]

these chrome covers are horseshit to begin with in the oil sealing dept,scuff the the inside of the seal area to try and rough it up to give the sealer some kind of mechanical adhesion.clean it with some brake clean and hit the local church and light a candle.

 

[fleming442]

What if the hole was punched slightly off center (because China).

 

[pontiacgp]

I would have brought back the chrome cover as soon as the first problem cropped up. Buy a good quality cover so you won't be having issues for the next 10 years

 

[MadBrax]

Yes, China. And this horseshit chrome cover wasn't my first choice.. The guy at the parts store ordered a cover and when it showed up looked fine but a few days later when I went to install it, (the car is 15 miles from my house in a borrowed shop) it didn't fit. Turns out it was a big block cover. So, I went back and just got the chrome one off the shelf. I now have another on order in light of this but again I'm on borrowed time in a borrowed shop. So, for the moment I have roughed up the chrome surface and even pinged it in a few locations and installed the seal with loctite 620 retaining compound as per 565bbchevy. Thanks for the suggestions to everyone, the car has to come out of the borrowed shop tomorrow. I'll update with the results.

 

[TURNA]

Make sure you get AAA. When it walks out on you, your gonna need that tow!!!!



And a new engine!!

 

[melloelky]

most of us have fallen victim to a chrome part before,sounds like you've made the best of the situation. hopefully it comes together for you.i had a problem with a chrome timing cover and replaced it with a Dorman timing cover.
it's nothing but a painted stock replacement and it's holding up well.@least you had a place to work on it that makes any situation better.