the_supernerd

My '88 22R 4x2 is leaking oil at the top of the timing cover, where it meets the head gasket. I know this is a common place for a small oil leak. I was thinking of putting some RTV over where the oil is coming out, but I doubt it will stick without having any pressure on it once it dries. Other than taking off the timing cover and putting some RTV on there, does anyone know of a quick fix?

ovrrdrive

This is what usually happens when someone thinks they can change the timing chain without pulling the head... It's almost impossible to keep the front of the head gasket in good enough shape to prevent leaks like this.

If it were me and I didn't want to pull the cover and head, I'd spray the area good with brake cleaner and wipe it up good and try smearing black permatex in the crack as well as I could.

No guarantees though until you strip it all apart and install new gaskets.

RD1970

Mine had the same oil leak and I cleaned it good with brake clean and used
GM adhesive sealant it comes in a white tube and the sealant is gray. It worked great I have no leaks.

surf4runner

cheap, temporary? fix=3M weatherstrip adhesive.
clean throughly w/ alcohol or equivalent first.

the_supernerd

Is that GM sealant sold at auto parts stores or will I have to go to the GM dealer? Do you think that would work better than regular grey RTV?

Targetnut

It'll be temporary, but you can do the sealnt thing just make sure to get it as clean as you can,

then clean it some more

and get good sealant, don't use the cheap rtv silicone.