Front Seals

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by NWMO_Maverick, Jan 20, 2021.

  1. NWMO_Maverick

    NWMO_Maverick Member

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    Hey all,

    My son’s car is leaking quite bad, but we’re not ready to rebuild. I think it looks like the worst is from the front of the engine (not the rear). I know there is a crankshaft seal behind the harmonic balancer, but I am having a hard time finding a seal for the camshaft (I assume they seal some other way??). Other than leaking oil, the car is running ok. Obviously we will need a gasket for the water pump as well and will check belts.

    Chris & Gabe
     
  2. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    No such thing as a camshaft seal in engines with timing chain.

    A timing cover gasket set should include everything needed, including front crank seal. .
     
  3. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Depending on the engine, I have seen a lot of timing chain covers that get small cracks. Specially in the ones made of cast aluminum. A small crack can leak a lot in a short amount of time. Front of a valve cover too. A leak there can run down the front of the engine. Get in there and clean up everything and figure out exactly where it is coming from.

    :thumbs2:
     
  4. NWMO_Maverick

    NWMO_Maverick Member

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    Thanks fellas,

    I’ll let you know what we find.

    Chris & Gabe
     
  5. Mustang1989

    Mustang1989 Member

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    Unless you've got a nicely painted/ detailed engine Non Chlorinated Brake Cleaner is your friend in finding oil leaks. It's gotta be the non-chlorinated stuff though. That watered down crap that passes for brake clean won't evaporate like the non-chlorinated stuff will. Warm the engine up to normal operating temperature and spray the affected area/ areas with it and it will evaporate quickly to include oil leakage residue and leave a dried surface in which to detect oil leakage easier. DO wear eye protection while using it though. It only takes a couple of seconds to put some PPE over your eyes. I've had this stuff in my eyes and it aint fun. Worked in dealers for years and it's a tried and true method that works for me.
    If you do have a nicely painted and detailed engine you might want to go with something a little more gentle like the watered down brake cleaner. It makes things a little harder in regards to clean up but will not tarnish any painted areas.
     
  6. NWMO_Maverick

    NWMO_Maverick Member

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    Things went reasonably well coming apart and the seal definitely needed replaced. How much slack should we see in the timing change? 1/2” is about what I’m seeing, seems sloppy to me.

    We took the top bolt out of the end of the cam, I assume I need a puller to remove the cam gear? or just lightly tap with a rubber hammer?

    Chris & Gabe
     

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  7. Mustang1989

    Mustang1989 Member

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    Cam gear should just come off with a gentle prying from a flat blade screwdriver. Doesn't really take much to get it off. 1/2 inch of deflection either way.....mmm...how many miles are there on the engine? Looks like the engine has been in there a while. I'd replace the timing chain set if it were mine after looking at your pictures.
     
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  8. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    If that's the aluminum gear with nylon teeth, don't even consider putting it back together with original. Teeth are prone to break off, blocking oil pickup and/or jamming pump.
     
  9. BBMS18

    BBMS18 Member

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    I agree with the other guys, replace the timing chain.
    You should be able to buy a stock replacement for $20, or a double roller for $50 either will be better than what’s in there now.
     
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  10. stumanchu

    stumanchu Stuart

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    I have an old 302 that came out of my car with unknown miles and ran so good I assumed it was rebuilt, but it is still standard bore and doesnt have a ridge. I have not been a Ford guy until recently, and I am learning how durable these old engines can be. I would certainly change that gear, clean it up as best you can, and it may run good for much longer than you would ever expect.
     

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