Timing chain cover... sealant or not?

[tomkidd]

How do folks

Should I put sealant on the timing chain cover? The last time the engine was together it leaked oil from that spot.

Ta

[999 ORX]

the only reason I wouldn't use a bit of sealent there is if you want the bmc optional extra of "self lubrication/anti corrosion service"

On the other hand its not fun when you come to replace it next time scraping all that crap of! Still I always use a bit!

[Sean1380]

So do i (Bostik Super Gasket maker) a light smeer on both sides of the gasket and no worries about leaks.

yup, its a real pain to scrape off again though.

[mk1]

More important that gasket goo is making sure the cover is lined up correctly with the crank pulley, leaks here usually come from a badly aligned cover that allows oil to seap past the crank oil seal, rather than a leaky joint.

[greyghost]

i agree with mark here, and also check the seal where the block and gearbox meet. this is where mine is actually leaking (remember not to build a motor on new-years day )

as for sealant to use, i've always used a "loctite" product (cant remember the number) that dissolves in oil and petrol, and dries with the absence of air. as you can guess its ok if it goes into the oil system as it can't block the oil galleries, causing that horrid big-end failure.