92 B350 Timing Chain Cover Seal
#11
stevebass,
I'm hesitant to give you a list of things to replace not knowing the age/condition of the existing components but a lot of parts come off in this process (or are a lot easier to get to) that shouldn't add any substantial labor to replace...
radiator hoses, thermostat, belt, maybe even the tensioner and idler pulleys. I imagine the costs could rack up paying a mechanic but would be pretty cheap and easy enough for me to justify while in there if I were doing it myself.
#12
I brought the van to a local mechanic for a second opinion. On top of everything, he discovered the upper radiator hose is leaking, which was why we lost so much coolant the other day.
He looked at the water pump and said he's sure that's the problem. His recommendation is to replace all the hoses and water pump (with a Gates brand; $455 P&L)
When the pump's off, he can look at the cover gasket and try to see if it's leaking. Is that realistic?
Most important: There's a 50-50 chance the engine block could be slightly warped and if replaced, the timing cover might not seal properly, and actually make things worse. (He said he's seen this happen.) He also said the timing cover might be warped (cost=$350)
Does it sound like he's right on the potential for warping?
He looked at the water pump and said he's sure that's the problem. His recommendation is to replace all the hoses and water pump (with a Gates brand; $455 P&L)
When the pump's off, he can look at the cover gasket and try to see if it's leaking. Is that realistic?
Most important: There's a 50-50 chance the engine block could be slightly warped and if replaced, the timing cover might not seal properly, and actually make things worse. (He said he's seen this happen.) He also said the timing cover might be warped (cost=$350)
Does it sound like he's right on the potential for warping?
#13
I'm hesitant to give you a list of things to replace not knowing the age/condition of the existing components but a lot of parts come off in this process (or are a lot easier to get to) that shouldn't add any substantial labor to replace...
The fan clutch was replaced 3 years ago, the radiator recored years ago, and power steering hoses last month. The mechanic said the serpentine belt got wet and needs to be replaced.
He listened to the engine and said there's a "slight misfire," but didn't think there was a problem with the timing chain.
I welcome any advice.
#14
2. Warping is possible but I personally doubt it.
#15
#16
Good advice, daguvena88, thnx.
He said a pressure test would show if the cover was leaking, but the killer now is the ruptured upper hose.
And the timing cover gasket is the crap shoot. I'm in for $455 for water pump, hoses, t-stat; another $225 if I did the timing cover. I'd sure hate to have the first job done and then see the cover leaking.
If I take the plunge on re-sealing the cover, I'll have him look at and perhaps replace the chain.
He said a pressure test would show if the cover was leaking, but the killer now is the ruptured upper hose.
And the timing cover gasket is the crap shoot. I'm in for $455 for water pump, hoses, t-stat; another $225 if I did the timing cover. I'd sure hate to have the first job done and then see the cover leaking.
If I take the plunge on re-sealing the cover, I'll have him look at and perhaps replace the chain.