Oil leak - front of timing cover

[hellabuck]

Hey,

2006 m35x, 300 000 KM - I have a leak at the front of my timing cover coming from the cap covering the timing chain tensioner. Leaking quite badly, and onto the alternator as well.

I'm wondering if there is a gasket for this piece I should use or should I be ok just using rtv and re tightening it down with some new bolts?

pic:

https://imgur.com/dGP5h3C

[Ilya]

I think you can use RTV or similar product. I just watched a video of the timing chain recall repair being done on the QX56 and they used some RTV-like-looking goup.

Here is the thread with the video:

timing-chain-recall-t619147.html

[hellabuck]

thanks

found all the relevant info in the timing chain section of the fsm

[Ilya]

Cool! Get er done!

[pinho.frank]

What was the fix for the leak and did it work? If I were to fix this the correct way is it just a gasket?

[LEXKYM45]

My timing cover is leaking also. Dealership wants $2,300.00 to repair the leak with new gasket install. Has anyone tried this themselves?

[EdBwoy]

Usually our timing covers don't require any solid gasket or seal in the sense of the word. If it's leaking and is visible outside, you most probably need to remove the offending part, scrape and reapply RTV/ liquid gasket maker and it will be as good as new.


One of you has the V8 and the other a V6 (going by your profile info). There are slight differences in the way the engines are set up.
We would be able to offer more pointed advice if we knew what part of the timing cover is leaking, and possibly see pictures.

[hellabuck]

What was the fix for the leak and did it work? If I were to fix this the correct way is it just a gasket?

Yep I used the black permatex RTV, had to do it twice, because I didnt let it sit the full 24 hrs the first time. no leaks now