After installing a new timing chain on an '86 22re we're trying to put the timing cover back on without the head being removed. We did remove the oil pan. The problem is that the head gasket is metal and is hanging down where the head overhangs to the timing chain cover. So it kind of kinks up and is hell to install the cover. Should we just put RTV between the metal head gasket and the head and then just cram the timing cover on? Or should we cut that hanging metal head gasket part and replace with a piece of new paper gasket? Or should we pull the head?

 

I had a paper one i belive but it held pretty good when we did mine. But my friend said, when he did his he put some rtv on the timing cover top part and put a feeler guage between it to hold the gasket up.

 

Thanks for the input. We've been using feeler gauges as well to hold up the gasket while trying to squeeze the cover on. It's a really tight fit. I guess I'll use some RTV to hold the gasket to the head. It just seems like that will take up even more space where it's already really tight. I really don't want to pull the head off. That will undoubtedly lead to another can of worms.

 

Loosen up the oil pan bolts under the timing cover, that will give you a little more room to play with (make sure not to tweak the oil pan too much) ....... or pull the diff and oil pan off completely and do it up nice.
That would at least be less of a hassle compared to pulling the head.

 

The oil pan was totally removed. I've never seen any mention of timing cover's being so difficult to put back on. Everything went well up to this point. It just won't snug up against the block and at the same time the metal head gasket is difficult to keep flat and straight against the head while trying to fit the cover on. It is perplexing.

 

Did someone put the "hidden" chain cover bolt back in when you weren't looking?

 

Is this a new timing cover?

 

No it's not a new cover and all the bolts are still in their cardboard holder. The cover was difficult to get off as well. But I've looked at all sides of this thing and can't see a holdup anywhere. Should I use a rubber mallet and tap it on?

 

Shouldn't you be able to put it flat up against the block and slide it up like an inch into place?
Failing that the rubber mallet with a lit hand should be fine.

 

yeah, just make sure you dont fold or tear that hg.

Btw, do you still have the oil pan on? or is it off?

 

No. It has to go on the crankshaft so I can't slide it up. I don't seem to be having an issue getting past the gasket anymore. It slides easily there but something is hanging it up at the bottom. I'll have to examine it some more.

 

If you take off the oil pump you can get more room to work up and down. (unless I don't remember my timing chain job at all, which is possible. )

 

Well, that sounds like more gasket hell but I'll try that. Thanks.

 

I always try to leave the oil pump on getting that damned O ring to stay in place is a pain with the cover on the motor I have pinched a few O rings in the past.