> He replaced the motor
> mounts, then replaced the timing chain gasket and timing chain cover oil
> seal. Started up, and it still leaked as much as before.
You didn't mention what was done with the surface of the front hub that the
seal rides on. I've found that even grooves too small to catch a fingernail
in can sometimes leak, even with a new seal. If I can't easily polish it
back shiny, I do something to renew the surface. An "old-timer's" trick is
to replace the seal again, but leave the new one sticking out of the cover
slightly, so it rides on a different area of the hub. But a better
solution, IMO, is to install a Speedi-sleeve on the hub.
Was the timing cover checked for flatness ? New sealing washer used on the
timing cover support stud ? The area between the front plate and the
sealing block checked for signs of leakage at this joint ? Bolts from the
front plate into the block (both cylinder and sealing) checked for tightness
?
> He's going to 18-20# tonight with advice from a local Brit-car
> specialist with care not to strip the holes in the front sealing block.
It won't help, can only make things worse. Were the bolt lengths checked to
be sure they don't bottom in the holes ? Hole and bolt threads inspected
for damage ?
> If he torques the bolts down and it still doesn't stop the leak, should
> he look to replace the oil pan (I have a nice spare for him) or should
> he have his local Brit car specialist look into replacing the front
> engine plate?
I'd be looking at the front plate. Lots of them seem to get distorted over
the years, especially if the engine has been in an accident.
> Or has he missed another big leaker in the lower front end
> of the engine?
Certainly wouldn't hurt spending some time trying to isolate the source of
the leak. Is the bottom of the timing cover staying dry ? That would rule
out the front seal. Is the leak heavier on the generator side ? Might be
the bolts that hold the generator mount to the engine block (which
communicate with the inside of the crankcase and hence can leak oil).
Try washing the area thoroughly at the local car wash, then inspecting it
immediately on arriving home.
Just replacing everything that might be leaking gets kind of expensive after
awhile ...
Randall
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