Timing Chain Cover Removal

[billyj7175]

Do you have to drop the oil pan in order to remove the timing chain cover? I have a 83 model 360, so it should have the front seal on the outside.

Thanks

[Crazy_Jeepman]

You do not have to remove the oil pan, but you will need to loosen it considerably. I however remove the pan because, I feel it is the best way to do the job, and a new oil pan gasket never hurts. ;)

[Joe's 89]

CJM-You find a new keyboard in the back of one those Jeeps you brought home? NO CAPS..lol

[Swoop]

I did mine (86 GW) about a year ago and did not have to remove or losen the oil pan. You do have to remove the front two oil pan screws because they screw into the cover. When reinstalling the cover, just remove the old oil pan gasket that is exposed (under the timing cover) with a razor blade, and put a bead of RTV to take up the space.
I haven't had any problems with leaks since. In fact, I believe the front cover gasket kit came with a special little gasket to fill in this area.
Hope this helps.

[billyj7175]

Thanks guys. Hey, I finally got my Texas license plates in the mail today...I took the California ones off and I think I'll take them out and shoot them...hahaha.

[DaBeast]

I agree with Jeepman. I think that taking off the oil pan is best. even if you loosen the pan, which you have to do, you run the risk of a leak later. might as well take the pan off if you have to go through the trouble of loosening all the bolts in the first place. if you don't take off the pan, you have two little pieces of gasket between the cover and the pan and then the front pan rubber seal. That means two extra chances for oil leakage.