3.4 timing cover gasket

[big gear head]

I have to replace the timing cover gasket on my '94 Camaro 3.4 engine about every 2 years. The gasket rots and coolant starts leaking out. Is this a comon problem or am I the only one who has to do this? I'm using Felpro blue gaskets. Is there something better?

[86FieroSEv6]

The next time you have it off, get it checked for flatness of the mating surface. Also, did you clean the bolts and bolt hole threads thoroughly and use bolt sealer and the correct torque value and sequence? Are your grounds in good shape?

[big gear head]

I cleaned the bolts and holes and I used thread sealer on the bolts that went into the water jackets. The cover seems to be flat, but I didn't check it. I've got a surface plate and I'll check it next time. I have a spare engine and I might use the cover off of it next time.

The problem is that the gasket just falls apart. It crumbles and starts to leak. You can touch it with your finger and it just falls apart, like dirt.

[geoffinbc]

I used Fel Pro gaskets and they have been on for 8 years on my S-10 and 2 years on my Trooper with no problems. Flatness is key and so is torque. Don't put anything on the gaskets. All you need is a dab of RTV in the corner where the pan block and cover meet.

[big gear head]

http://rides.webshots.com/album/576442790NSkIcy

This isn't a stock application. I've put about 140,000 miles on this. It took me about 5 months to get everything working in this truck and it's been my my daily driver for the last 13 years. It pisses me off when I have to tear everything down to replace this gasket. I have to borrow someone elses car to get to work, so I was hopeing that there was a better gasket or some way to prevent this from happening again. Maybe I'll get another truck before it goes bad again.

[Superdave]

I always RTV both sides of my paper gaskets, looks like crap but i've never had a leak.

[big gear head]

That's what I do too. I smear a thin film of RTV on both sides of the gasket. I was not aware that there was a tightening sequence for the timing cover. I don't have a shop manual for this engine, so I just put it on and tightened the bolts until it felt right. Seems like it wouldn't make that much difference.

[geoffinbc]

Oh yea torque matters huge on a part with multiple bolts especially ones that are different diameter and length. RTV is a never needed on a properly installed gasket.

[86FieroSEv6]

RTV is a gasket. When you butter up your gaskets with it, you are "double gasketing". Back in the day of my old Ventura II, my motor had no other gaskets than the head gaskets and the crank seals, all else was RTV. No leaks and a nice quiet motor, but you must use good technique. The surface must be clean and grease/oil free. The bead must be the right size and follow the set times. Tacky surface prior to assembly, then lightly snugged, then more set time, then final torque. Cure times are influenced by temperature and humidity. It ain't brain surgery, but it is rocket science.

[big gear head]

When I replaced the timing cover gasket on my Olds with the 3800 engine the new gasket was plastic and I think it had a silicone insert. This seems like a good way to go, but I guess this type of gasket isn't available for the 3.4. The Felpro paper gasket seems to roll up around the edged as soon as I tightened the bolts, which makes me think that this one isn't going to last very long either. I didn't tighten it a lot. I've built a lot of engines in my time and I haven't had a problem like this before.

[geldartb]

i only RTV the gasket in a few spots on the block to hold it in place so im not fussing with it when im trying to put the cover back on. makes it a little easier when your doing it with the engine in the car and it also keeps the gasket where it belongs.

[86FieroSEv6]

Maybe it's time to consider attempting an all RTV solution for your timing cover. Also, all RTV formulations are NOT the same. There are application specific RTV compounds. Another sealant for certain joints is called Anaerobic sealant. RTV sets in the presence of air, Anaerobic sealants do their job in the absence of air.