3.5 finally runs- Now a coolant leak

[wagesgt903]

So i fixed the air gap on the cps and it fired right up finally. Now ive got a coolant leak from where the inner timing cover meets the lower oil pan. I think it was to cold outside when i put the rtv on. Has anyone ever tried pulling the timing cover in the vehicle or had this problem? Should I just go ahead and pull the motor?

[95BLKMAX]

pulling the timing covers with the engine in the car is possible, but its a bia...

Did you change the water pump when you swap'd? because when water pumps go bad, what you're describing is exactly the sign- leaking bet'n block and timing cover. Its designed to do it like that.

To change it, you do not have to remove the timing covers, just the 2 cover plates for the timing chain tensioner (that has to come off), and the water pump. Not much room to work around in order for the pump to come out/ new one in, but it IS possible. Just have to turn it and twist you hand in some weird ways, but it works, lol.

[pmohr]

Originally Posted by 95BLKMAX

pulling the timing covers with the engine in the car is possible, but its a bia...

Did you change the water pump when you swap'd? because when water pumps go bad, what you're describing is exactly the sign- leaking bet'n block and timing cover. Its designed to do it like that.

To change it, you do not have to remove the timing covers, just the 2 cover plates for the timing chain tensioner (that has to come off), and the water pump. Not much room to work around in order for the pump to come out/ new one in, but it IS possible. Just have to turn it and twist you hand in some weird ways, but it works, lol.

That's really the only place coolant should come into contact with the timing covers...at the water pump area. Most likely it's a damaged o-ring on the water pump, or just a bad pump.

[95BLKMAX]

Originally Posted by pmohr

That's really the only place coolant should come into contact with the timing covers...at the water pump area. Most likely it's a damaged o-ring on the water pump, or just a bad pump.

indeed. my pump gave out a year and a few months after the swap. I made the cheap-o mistake of re-using the stock pump when for $45 from Autozone I could have just put in the new one from then, but n000000.... Took it out with nismology's help, one of the o-rings on it was flacking and stiff as a rock. I didnt bother prying it off the pump, it just broke into pieces

[wagesgt903]

If its just that ill just lift the motor out to do it. I work at a shop but i had to do the entire swap until now in my garage at home so pulling it in my bay at work will be no problem. I just hope thats it i dont want to have to pull and clean the covers again, I cant wait to drive it.

I didnt realize how damn good it would sound!