The solid gasket between lower and upper timing covers

[Drake57]

is giving me trouble when trying to reinstall the timing cover after a chain guide inspection (1992 Q45). This gasket looks to be part of the head gasket that extends out to the timing cover. Happily, this engine has metal backed chain guides installed, unfortunately, reinstalling the TC has been difficult.

The main timing cover between the upper timing covers and the oil pan is a really tight fit, and during both attempts at reinstalling the timing cover, said gasket has been pushed out of place on one or both sides, deforming the gasket in the process. It may be damaged beyond serviceability at this point. I don't think I'll ever be able to get the cover and this gasket correctly installed without removing either the oil pan or the upper timing covers and valve covers.

Has anyone done away with this part of the gasket and used rtv gasket maker instead? I'm sorely tempted.

I helped my son do the same job on his 91 Q, with no problem with the solid gasket. My own project is not going so well. Thanks in advance for any insight.

PS is it normal that some of the bolts that are in the inner hub of the crank pulley not be installed? I'm missing a few.

[Q45tech]

Those inner bolts are balance weights and the number and position will vary with the need.

As to head gasket extension good luck, I would just drop the pan and see what's left in there from previous guide job.

[Drake57]

Thank you for replying. I think the head gasket extension was OK until I tried to reinstall the TC, any damage to gasket is my fault. I think you are right, removing the oil pan will allow room to reinstall TC, and allow inspection for any fragments in pan.

The FSM covers removal of the pan, at a high level. I suppose the engine gusset is the bracket to which the alternator and AC compressor bolt. I can search for any hints for pan removal, if the FSM is not optimal.

Thanks again, Drake.

[Q45tech]

Good time to fix the driverside motor mount that is probably torn from torque.

[Raxephon]

Dealerships in Florida usually bevel the inner edge of timing cover if heads aren't removed.

I've ran my '92 Q45 with RTV sealing the timing covers to each other for over 6000 miles so far and no problems to speak of.

[Q451990]

Hopefully I'm not giving away any trade secrets... I have personally seen a couple of things done here.

First the head gasket was coated with RTV to help it reseal. Second, the front lip of the oil pan was given some mild pursuasion with a rubber hammer to make the opening a little wider. Since the pan is steel and not aluminum, I was assured that it would bend back in place when the bolts were reinstalled. Also the "blank plate" upper timing cover on the right bank (i think?) was removed so that the timing cams weren't disturbed... I was having the rocker covers resealed anyway, but I don't think it would have been necessary to reseal them...

Maybe this will help?

Good luck!

Heath

[Drake57]

All very helpful, thanks.

I removed the TC again last night, both head gasket extensions were damaged beyond repair. I broke off the remaining pieces, being careful to catch all metal pieces, and most of the fiber fragments. I will make a paper gasket to help fill the gap, and use RTV gasket maker to fill any space.

Without the extensions the tight fit is absolutely eliminated, so that part is really nice - it was a real nuisance trying to get the cover reinstalled, covered with wet RTV.

I'm also ordering a VALCO tube grip dispenser, I hope will allow for precise amounts of gasket maker quickly, without the fatigue of squeezing a tube.

Again, thank you all for the assistance, Drake.