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
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. .
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.