Where to stop? (Timing cover job)

[p m]

Here's my little quandary: most likely, I have to pull the timing cover off the Classic #4 to re-seal it. The bitch leaks like there's no tomorrow. But there are multiple "mightaswells" -
Should I replace timing chain and sprockets?
Should I replace oil pump (it is in the cover, Disco-style)?
Since I need to pull the oil pan to pull the front cover, should I also replace the rod bearing shells?
I did all of those on my Classic #3, but it needed timing chain and sprockets. This one runs beautifully at 283kmi, I don't want to f it up.

 

[robertf]

I've always seen some kind of galling on the oil pump plate when I inspect, so heres what Id do

New gears
lap the plate on a piece of glass and fine grit
replace bypass orings
new chain
done

Im pretty sure Ive done the above without oil pan removal

aftermarket timing gears are trash, reuse what you got unless its really bad

I also have a leak free engine longer when I use grease on the gasket like the manual says and not RTV


edit Im thinking 4.0. put the edelbrock chain on there. those are fine

 

[jymmiejamz]

I wouldn’t be replacing bearings. Everything else makes sense.

 

[p m]

Thanks guys. That's probably how it is going to be.
Robert - how did you manage to seal the gap between the timing cover and oil pan without removing the pan?
Just gooped it with sealant?

 

[terryjm1]

“I also have a leak free engine longer when I use grease on the gasket like the manual says and not RTV” I second that!

If I dont have oil pressure issues, I don’t touch the bearings.

Also, on the bearing shells, If warranted, I typically remove the cap on the one furthest from the oil pump and make a decision based on wear of that one. If the rod bearing shell is not so great my next step is to look at the main in front of it. My concern with replacing bearing shells is that it can cause an oil pressure imbalance and potentially makes things worse.

 

[robertf]

Thanks guys. That's probably how it is going to be.
Robert - how did you manage to seal the gap between the timing cover and oil pan without removing the pan?
Just gooped it with sealant?

maybe? maybe I gave up and dropped the pan and didnt commit it to memory

 

[StangGT5]

I have only been able to find cork gaskets for D1s/RRCs which, like all cork gaskets, are prone to tearing. I've never pulled a cover without pulling the pan, but I am a primarily Bosch engine guy. I wish they made a rubber gaskets like the Bosch engines use for the older pans.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I have only been able to find cork gaskets for D1s/RRCs which, like all cork gaskets, are prone to tearing. I've never pulled a cover without pulling the pan, but I am a primarily Bosch engine guy. I wish they made a rubber gaskets like the Bosch engines use for the older pans.

Land Rover went away from cork gaskets and switched to a LR branded version of Right stuff. It works much better than a D2 rubber oil pan gasket.