Hey Guys, I was doing the water pump an the front of the motor and after I got it off the timing cover was pitted pretty badly. Is this no big deal for the silicone sealer to seal or am I asking for a leak if I reuse it? I would definitely rather leave it because I don't have a puller and it's a lot more work. Thanks Jackson
ly rat

 

Yes, I would replace it, not reuse.

 

^^x2^^ Replace it. Do not reuse.

 

Replace.

 

You can rent a puller at Autozone, not that bad. Yes I would get a new one, you are that far already. $89 bucks new https://www.fusickautomotiveproducts...?number=TCC649
or try EvilBay.

 

I would replace or at least fix the one you have.
If your looking for a good OEM replacement contact me.

 

I'll be the voice of dissent here. I've faced a similar situation on a 307 in one of the daily drivers. I really didn't want to pull the front cover. I dressed it with a sanding disk in my 7" DeWalt grinder and used Permatex Ultra Black when I installed the new pump. Several years later and still no leaks. Note that the pitting is inboard of the gasket for the most part. Now if this is an engine you really care about, pull the cover and plan on doing the timing chain while you're in there.

 

^ exactly... Good advice.

 

I've replaced plenty of water pumps over the years and the pitting is not a big deal like was said it is inboard of the gasket surface. Avoid silicon sealer what squeezes out on the inside tends to flake off over time and plugs your heater core or radiator.

 

There's nothing wrong with silicone sealer in moderation. The problem is people who trowel it on like bondo.

I use Permatex Ultra Black in the "aerosol cheese" package. Cut the tip at the small end and you can precisely control where and how much you apply. I typically use a very small bead, like 1/16".

 

There are varying degrees of pitting, the pitting on that cover is pretty bad. Unless a replacement cover isn't available, which it is I'd replace it. The pitting inside the gasket reduces the chance of an external coolant leak which one could see. If the pitting allows a breach of the cover inside the gasket, coolant will enter the crankcase mix with the oil and potentially damage a bearing which wouldn't be seen but probably heard.

 

Certainly poke vigorously at the pits to ensure they do not go through.

 

I have taken apart engines that ran perfectly fine with much worse covers. I have used covers In comparable condition when nothing else was available, with no issues.

As long as the cover isn’t corroded to the point it’s paper thin, you will probably be ok.

Of course, if you do remove the cover, it would be foolish to not replace the timing chain while you are in there. Since that requires fuel pump removal, do you want to reinstall an old pump?

The never ending “Might as Well” begins.

 

Agreed. A rebuild of the whole engine should be undertaken. Might as well. I mean, as long as you're in there.

 

LOL.. My engine build was sparked by a rear main seal leak.

 

Sorry for getting off track but they make a neoprene seal for the rear main now