Leaky timing cover 2.3l

[HulkBronc88]

Good afternoon,

I noticed recently that my timing cover appears to have a slow leak. I cleaned it up my first oil change, and it's definitely leaking. From what I can find, this appears to be relatively common. But I'm concerned about if it's worth taking it into the dealer. I believe they have to reset timing when taking the cover off? I read about someone's engine grenading because a tech didn't set the timing properly after fixing the timing cover seal.

Granted my Bronco is still under warranty, I'm just not a huge fan of dealerships.

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[Ducati1098]

This is very common on for most Ford 4 cylinders. But personally I would just wait until you're closer to being out of powertrain warranty. They likely wouldn't warranty that small of a seep at this point anyway because Ford considers a warrantable leak something that is actually dripping.

The crankshaft pulley and timing chain sprocket aren't keyed to the crankshaft, so if it's installed incorrectly then it can cause issues, but it's extremely rare for it to be so far off that it would blow up. As long as they use the correct tools to hold the crankshaft where it should be while installing the pulley it's a very easy repair.

 

[HulkBronc88]

This is very common on for most Ford 4 cylinders. But personally I would just wait until you're closer to being out of powertrain warranty. They likely wouldn't warranty that small of a seep at this point anyway because Ford considers a warrantable leak something that is actually dripping.

The crankshaft pulley and timing chain sprocket aren't keyed to the crankshaft, so if it's installed incorrectly then it can cause issues, but it's extremely rare for it to be so far off that it would blow up. As long as they use the correct tools to hold the crankshaft where it should be while installing the pulley it's a very easy repair.

Thanks, that's a good idea to just wait. I know its not a priority repair like cam phasers on the 2.7l etc. I'll just clean it up from time to time until it gets bad.

 

[Rednek]

I did this repair on mine just before warranty was up,is a very common repair i've done on the 4 and 6cylinder engines (silicon sealant doesn't seem to like extremes in temperature that we get in frozenland)

 

[HulkBronc88]

I did this repair on mine just before warranty was up,is a very common repair i've done on the 4 and 6cylinder engines (silicon sealant doesn't seem to like extremes in temperature that we get in frozenland)

Oh the fires of hell here in Florida haha

 

[Mustbeheresomewhere]

I noticed that mine has a slow leak at the timing cover as well. Same spot, near the alternator pulley.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Just noticed it on my 2021 2.3 the other day as well... yay.

I can think of worse things ... just had the windshield replaced on the 23 Badlands yesterday.
Hooray! for $0 deductible glass coverage.

 

[HulkBronc88]

Just noticed it on my 2021 2.3 the other day as well... yay.

I can think of worse things ... just had the windshield replaced on the 23 Badlands yesterday.
Hooray! for $0 deductible glass coverage.

I am having my windshield replaced on Tuesday as well. Second replacement in under a year. Lordy...

 

[Mustbeheresomewhere]

The timing cover on mine still leaks. It’s covered in dirt and spreading and making a mess. I’m thinking of making an appointment at the dealership but before I do. Does anyone know the torque spec for the timing cover bolts? I want to see if they’re just loose.

 

[dgorsett]

We sure are spoiled with modern engine/drivetrain seals. in the old days if it wasn't loosing a teaspoon aa day no biggy. To me now, no drip no leak.

 

[Ehucek]

Just noticed it on mine as well, gonna try to check torque if I can find the specs, time to call the dealer.

 

[fpostgate]

Glad I'm not crazy, 13,553 miles and timing cover is leaking.

 

[Ehucek]

I sent my dealer this picture and they got me in the next day

 

[dgorsett]

I sent my dealer this picture and they got me in the next day

Hmm. Mine looks kinda like that, but no drip or drop on the floor so I'm thinking its fine. Maybe I should reconsider.

 

[Ehucek]

Hmm. Mine looks kinda like that, but no drip or drop on the floor so I'm thinking its fine. Maybe I should reconsider.

I dint have a drip either but it’s under warranty and shouldn’t have a leak like that at 11k. Dealer didn’t put up a fight at all.

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