engine and drivetrain Remove Upper Timing Cover Tii

[Andy74tii]

First off, count me as a fan of the new FAQ format, well done!

Just a quick question out there --- I would like to redo my upper timing cover gaskets, and I was hopeful i could do just this (not the lower one) without removing any water hoses. There's adequate clearance on all the bolts, except for the lowest one on the driver's side going into the head. There's a couple water hoses in the way there, and it's really tight. Has anyone successfully taken their upper timing cover off without removing hoses, and if so, what's the trick? Super skinny 10mm wrench?

Thanks,

Andy74tii

[bnam]

I did that on my 74Tii.  I don't remember what I used though.  Don't recall anything special.  

Byas

[jgerock]

Andy - no matter what, be careful when trying to remove that upper cover.  If you damage the head gasket, you may have to goop it up with gasket sealer or replace the head gasket.

[Andy74tii]

Right Jim. This is my second go-round with this. After the first time, some of the material came off the head gasket, though it did not bend or break (I was pretty careful), so I think this might be the source of my leak. Also, I think there is some sort of technique putting it back on, such that the bolts on the bottom likely need to be tightened up before the horizontal ones to the head. I think I might have done the opposite, hence the leak....

In any event, trying to get this thing off without taking off hoses is really challenging, really it's just that one bolt. This is the first time I've taken off just the upper one, before it's always been the full deal, which involves removing all the hoses, rad, etc. Which I am trying to avoid.....!

Thanks

Andy74tii

[Andy74tii]

OK mission accomplished on that bolt.... it took a 1/4 drive 10mm socket with a short extension that I basically "threaded" between two hoses while pushing the hoses slightly apart. Now I can see I need to build up the upward facing part of the head gasket before I put it back together. I will use some gasket sealer for that build up -- any suggestions? My choices are Permatex 1 (hard setting), Permatex 2 (non hardening, pliable), Permatex Ultra Copper high temp RTV, and Permatex Ultra Grey RTV....

Thanks for the help folks!

Andy74tii

[jgerock]

Good news that you got it off the engine.  I used Curil K2 paste on my engine.  I got it from Vee Dub parts in Huntington Beach (mail order).