Timing cover corrosion, repair or replace?

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GHOST RUSTERS

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
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Hey FABO!

I’m looking for some advice or expertise in the condition of my timing cover (#2128896, without timing marks) specifically the corrosion/ damage at the ports… see pictures please… I’m concerned that it doesn’t have enough material remaining to create a solid trustworthy seal…

any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Is this worth trying the JB weld solution or other repair of some kind or might a better condition one be worth looking for instead in the wanted/ for sale forums or eBay?

1965 Barracuda 273/V8

Thanks everyone! Happy wrenching!

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They are way too cheap and easy to find used to take a chance on
a questionable repair. If it starts leaking it will fill you Oil Pan with
water and destroy a perfectly good engine.
An excellent used cover usually runs only $50 to $75. retail.
Some guys on here have drums full of them.
 
While you wait for the replacement, it won't hurt to try a repair if you have access to a sand blaster to clean and pickup a MAP gas torch and aluminum brazing rod for a similar hardness repair (versus silver soldering or epoxy).

It looks like the only difference between pre-70 and the 70-91 cover is just a cast-in timing tab. Those are available new.
 
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I've taken them to a machine shop and had them ground flat again, so far the ones I have had that done to have only needed 0.010-0.12 removed, not enough to change belt alignment at WP pulley. For what it's worth EQ shows "reman" ones (or they used to) and that's exactly what they do with them.... I wouldn't do anything like JB weld on something like that. Brazing maybe if you know what you're doing but still needs machine work to make sure it's flat
 
Thank you for the responses! I’ll get a wanted post going in the forums in the meantime! Good looking out!
 
The cam walk and eating up the water pump area would be enough to negate getting a good used 1 for me..
It is not a rare or extremely expensive cover hell anything after 1970-early 90s will suffice they are everywhere.
 
The cam walk and eating up the water pump area would be enough to negate getting a good used 1 for me..
It is not a rare or extremely expensive cover hell anything after 1970-early 90s will suffice they are everywhere.
Agreed about the cam walk… Very much appreciated! I think I’m onto a replacement with a fellow member here… thank you!
 
Hey FABO!

I’m looking for some advice or expertise in the condition of my timing cover (#2128896, without timing marks) specifically the corrosion/ damage at the ports… see pictures please… I’m concerned that it doesn’t have enough material remaining to create a solid trustworthy seal…

any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Is this worth trying the JB weld solution or other repair of some kind or might a better condition one be worth looking for instead in the wanted/ for sale forums or eBay?

1965 Barracuda 273/V8

Thanks everyone! Happy wrenching!

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It honestly doesn't look that bad. Put it on the flat top table with some sandpaper and clean it up, give it a couple sprays of CLR and lightly brush it with a brass wire brush. Probably fine...for a wall hanger.

Grab one from the wrecking yard.
 
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$85 shipped. Dodge Chrysler Timing Cover For 1970-91 v6 3.9 5.2L Engines New! | eBay

Could also repair the cam thrust wear if you bake the oil out of the pores first.
You do realize the timing marks would be on the wrong side with this cover, right ?

He needs a early timing cover, with the timing marks, or pointer are on the right passenger side. And yes, this is a harder cover to find, than the 70 on. And before I get all the hate mail about how he can just switch the timing marks over, hillbilly blah blah blah. Homey don't play that. I roll the way Chrysler designed it.

To the original poster:
I would probably replace it. Better shape covers are out there.
Just got to look. Post a parts wanted add. And make sure you get the right part.
 
You do realize the timing marks would be on the wrong side with this cover, right ?

He needs a early timing cover, with the timing marks, or pointer are on the right passenger side. And yes, this is a harder cover to find, than the 70 on. And before I get all the hate mail about how he can just switch the timing marks over, hillbilly blah blah blah. Homey don't play that. I roll the way Chrysler designed it.

To the original poster:
I would probably replace it. Better shape covers are out there.
Just got to look. Post a parts wanted add. And make sure you get the right part.
Early cars have a bolt on tab. Not interested in how your roll or your whining.
 
Hey guys, I’ve got two good potential leads on a timing cover from two members just waiting to hear back and confirm it’s without timing marks… thank you everyone for the feedback and help! Very informative! I’ll post once I have one confirmed! Thanks!
 
Early cars have a bolt on tab. Not interested in how your roll or your whining.
They actually have both, tab or timing marks. First BBQ ?
Could care less what you think. My concern is that other members get correct info. Have a great day !

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The photo Ghost Rusters posted is actually a 1979 replacement cover for the '68 and earlier engines without the timing tab. An original early cover requires the cover to be removed to replace the seal. The replacement cover is designed like the '78-up cover where the seal can be replaced without removing the cover.
 
apologies, i thought you meant that you had a source for new timing tabs and that had my interest.

i know the 70+ covers are available.
I do not. A replacement could be fabbed from .080" sheet steel with common tools but you'd need an original to get it identical and not just functional based on a degree wheel.

The integral tab on the newer covers could be trimmed from the newer cover if there is no relief in the timing chain side.
 
They actually have both, tab or timing marks. First BBQ ?
Could care less what you think. My concern is that other members get correct info. Have a great day !

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Yep, in 69 they added the cast in timing marks for the old location... 64 - 68 had the bolt on tab...
 
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