Question : Timing Chain Cover Gasket 2

[Jesster]

Per my last thread, I didn't need to remove the dampner key from the crank.

1998 Lumina 3100 LS - Timing Chain Cover Gasket

Any suggestions on gasket brand or gasket sealer? The local AAP has a FelPro TCS45976 for a little over $10 and I have a can of Permatex High tack Spray-A-Gasket sealant. The FelPros have done very well for the lower intake manifold repair I did a few years ago. I don't have a clue on the best gasket sealant for this application, but want to fix it and forget it.

I also need to replace the crank oil seal on the timing chain cover. A couple of questions here, when ordering this part, is this considered the FRONT seal? Also, It looks like the old one just pops out and the new one pops in, any tips?

[caffeine]

I always just buy the FelPro set that contains the seal, timing cover, and water pump gaskets for about $9

[Superdave]

I always just buy the FelPro set that contains the seal, timing cover, and water pump gaskets for about $9

Yep, I always get the same one.

I don't however use the spray a gasket but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I usually use black RTV.

[Guest]

I use the same gasket set.

I used to use RTV on the timing cover gasket, this last time however, I installed it dry, and it appears to be sealing quite well, dare I say better than when I would use RTV to hold the gasket in place?

[caffeine]

Using RTV is really messy and annoying but I've always been nervous about those paper gaskets without it lol. I usually take a scraper to the RTV to make it as thin a layer as possible before installing the gasket. Makes for less mess in the end.

[Guest]

Using RTV is really messy and annoying but I've always been nervous about those paper gaskets without it lol. I usually take a scraper to the RTV to make it as thin a layer as possible before installing the gasket. Makes for less mess in the end.

Yeah, I was the same way, used to use a little bit of RTV as some sort of re-assurance, or at the very least to hold the gasket in place. It was while cleaning the old gasket off, that I came to the conclusion that GM didn't use RTV to install the gasket, and most OEM built engines don't leak for a very long time, so I decided to try it dry this time.

[geoffinbc]

I always put the gaskets on dry. That is the way they are designed to go on. On components that may have a bit of corrosion from water like the intake manifold I will put some RTV on the rough parts.

[3400-95-Modified]

Agreed, I put a thin layer of RTV around the coolant ports on the block and timing cover, every other location stays dry. Never have any leaking issues either.

[Superdave]

I do it mostly so the gasket doesn't move. lol