i had to change the cam in my 350 and need to put the timing cover back on, but am unsure of the best way to do it without it leaking. Anybody got any tips or comments on the best way to do this?

After I drop the front of the oil pan down I usually run a small bead a rtv along both sides of the gasket to keep it in place and then put a descent size amount on each side of the rubber half moon at the front of the oil pan. Then I bolt it up and then bolt up the oil pan. You have to be careful if you're not going to take the oil pan completely out as to not damage the pan gasket.

Before applying RTV, clean all areas with lacquer thinner to remove oil residue.

Snip the inside corners of the pan gasket trough next to the block-rail junction, as in snip off the sharp corner. Let the RTV sit overnight to cure.

I've explained a simple and easy method of assembly in another thread and it doesn't involve dropping the oil pan!!.....Let me know if you're interested:beers:

I'm interested. I thought unless you have a two piece timing cover that it's damn near impossible to get the bottom of the timing cover to slide in without it leaking. I am very interested.

When you pull the timing cover off without dropping the oil pan you will bend out the ends of the gasket rail on the timing cover. You should trim off the bent part of the rail with tin snips. Trimming the ends of the rail will make it possible to reinstall the cover without dropping the pan.

Thoroughly clean both the timing cover and oil pan removing all traces of silicone as nothing sticks well to silicone, not even more silicone. Use a small amount of Permatex® Super High Tack™ Gasket Sealant to glue the new rubber gasket to the timing cover and let it set. This will keep the rubber from moving around when you install the timing cover. After the Permatex has set use a very thin amount of RTV silicone on the other side of the of the rubber that goes against the pan with just a little extra in the corners where the block, oil pan, and timing cover come together and immediately install the timing cover. The wet RTV will act as a lubricant and the cover will drop into place and not leak.

It’s always a good idea to install a new front seal whenever the timing cover is off.

Cool. I heard you should snip the corners, but I didn't know you could install without dropping the pan. I'll try that next time. Thanks for the info.

I"ve never dropped the pan and I've never had one leak. Use a razor to make a clean cut in the corners. What has really worked well for me is spraying copper gasket sealer on the timing cover gasket. It makes it nice and tacky but won't let the gasket "walk". Just don't over-tighten. Let the gasket do its job. The timing cover isn't directly holding fluid like the oil pan. Just a little at the bottom.

I've got the good old two piece timing cover.

Farmboy,
I've replaced my timing cover twice and still have leaks. DId what you suggest around the bottom of the cover but am still unclear about how to seal the upper blue felpro gasket. Should I use silicone on just the side against the cover and not the block like the instructions say or on both sides or not at all?
I'm going to try for a third time to get it dry and want that to be the last time.
Many thanks
Steve