Hi all.

OK. I have an EA with a GEM exchange engine in it. The thing runs really well, but leaks oil like a sieve from around the timing cover. I thought it was the front main seal but although it was really dirty behind the balancer, there wasn't any wetness from fresh oil. The AC belt is just dripping wet.

Anyhow, I know the timing cover is leaking now and have to fix it to get a roadworthy. Can this be done successfully with the head still on? I know the sump has to come off, but if I don't have to pull the head I wont bother. I only want the engine to get the car regoed and get me to work and back while I prep the AU 4.0L and turbo for it. I want to spend as little as possible on this engine.....but I want the leak fixed. It seems a waste to put a gasket kit through an engine that I'm not going to keep in the car.

I also think it would be easier with the engine out of the car.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Chris

I thought HM GEM (Hit & Miss) motor's had a 3yr warranty? ... If it won't pass a RWC because of the motor, speak to HM Gem

Thanks for the reply.

I'm afraid I don't even know how long the engine has been in the car....quite a while by the state of it. I bought the car recently (only $400) and it is in really nice condition.

All I need to know is if I can leave the head on and successfully replace the timing cover gaskets.

Thanks

Chris

IT CAN BE DONE BUT BE CAREFUL

Of what?

From what i've been told, you need to remove the harmonic balancer pulley and some other ones too, then just lower the sump to remove it. It would be optimal if you could remove the engine however if your not, you would find it easier removing the radiator and shroud for extra room. I know people on this forum know how to do it so be patient and youl'l get a decent reply.

They have a common problem of leaking between the head and the timing case. I found it better to just use selastic and no gasket here.

Remove radiator. Although it can be done with it in you will find the extra room a blessing.

Remove belts, tension pully bracket, Harmonic Balancer. Power steering pump. Timing chain tensioner, Drain the oil, Undo sump bolts and lower it onto K frame.

Now you can remove the timing case.

word is that if you swap the timing cover with that from an el then it stop leaking. i dont know if this is true or not but that what i heard. if anyone has done this let me know.

cheers