I have a coolant leak coming from the timing chain cover. While I have the timing chain and gears accessible, should I replace them?

5.9L w/ 187K miles

Thanks!

 

Hmmmm. Good question, I guess. It would seem prudent, given the mileage. Come to think of it, though, how is coolant getting behind the cover?

 

While they are accessible I would replace them. Why not with the cost of them v/s your mileage.

 

I kind of figured it would be worth it to go ahead and replace them while I was there, but at the same time, I didn't want to spend the money on it if it wasn't worth it. I need all the extra money I can get with all the issues this truck keeps giving me. I swear the thing has a 1 week expiration date. It runs great for a week before it breaks down again. If it's not one thing it's another...

Mike, it is my understanding the cover has grooves for the coolant to pass through. When the gasket goes bad, it leaks. I may be mistaken and somebody else can verify.

 

i had a 5.9 in my jeep, same thing timing cover leak, the timing chain and gear kit was under 100 bucks so i figured why not.. do the t-stat while the front of the engines ripped off too, easy to get at.

 

If there is any slack in the chain, replace them. I did a 5.9L while doing a 5.2L to 5.9L swap for a friend a couple of years ago. The 5.9L had right at 100K on it and it was pretty loose. It's cheaper to do it now so you don't have to buy gaskets twice.

 

I will definitely replace them. What is the socket size for the harmonic balancer bolt? I believe it is 1-1/4" but I'm not positive? Also, if I remember my manual correctly, I will have to loosen the front 2 bolts on the oil pan. Would it be worth it to just drop the whole pan and replace the gasket?

On the thermostat... what is the stock temperature? Would it be beneficial to change the temperature to something other than stock?

 

Stock 'stat is a 203. I used a 180 in mine for a while, but when I did the flush, I went back to a 203.