Timing Chain Cover Leak?

[Scott S]

I have a 13 Ford Edge 3.5 V6 two years ago I had the timing chains, tensioner's, guides and water pump replaced. Couple months my timing chain cover started leaking, the original mechanic, took the bolts out, around the top motor mount where it's leaking, put some silicone on them and reinstall them, not long later it started leaking again..
Well now I found myself moving to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, I have a Motorcraft timing chain cover, new Motorcraft valve covers, new Motorcraft silicone, plenum gasket. Does anybody know of a mechanic in or around the Myrtle Beach area, that is familiar with this job.. before anybody asks why I never brought it back, to the original mechanic, right around the time it started leaking again, I had to go in for back surgery back surgery did not go well, and it's left me in chronic pain.. I've been living on Social Security, and this is just made things worse.. I don't know if it's a gasket issue, or he cracked the cover, prying on it in one place.. But I do know, the cover needs to be replaced.. Thanks

 

[TheOilWizard]

I don't think it's really that complex of a job for a trusted shop.. Just shop around based on price, reputation, etc.

 

[D60]

Funny, I was disappointed to see that an '07 I did a couple years ago was leaking. It appeared to be from the timing cover, but it also looked like the valve cover gaskets (I've since learned Felpro should be avoided) and maybe the crank seal were leaking.

Point being, with the vc gaskets and crank seal in play I can't swear the timing cover is leaking also (but probably)

It was slight and was causing minor ooze on the motor but no actual drips. I didn't say anything -- perhaps because I'm chicken or dishonest -- but at this stage it hardly seems worth the work of re-sealing it when it's not dripping or even close to dripping.

I wonder if these 3.5s just like to leak or I'm that incompetent. @mattd do you see leaks on these as a common problem, esp a couple years after doing a water pump and timing set?

 

[Scott S]

Funny, I was disappointed to see that an '07 I did a couple years ago was leaking. It appeared to be from the timing cover, but it also looked like the valve cover gaskets (I've since learned Felpro should be avoided) and maybe the crank seal were leaking.

Point being, with the vc gaskets and crank seal in play I can't swear the timing cover is leaking also (but probably)

It was slight and was causing minor ooze on the motor but no actual drips. I didn't say anything -- perhaps because I'm chicken or dishonest -- but at this stage it hardly seems worth the work of re-sealing it when it's not dripping or even close to dripping.

I wonder if these 3.5s just like to leak or I'm that incompetent. @mattd do you see leaks on these as a common problem, esp a couple years after doing a water pump and timing set?

Everything was Motorcraft, except the upper plenum gasket.

 

[OilStainedNapkin]

I think any decent shop can tackle this for you. Try a search on Yelp and see what’s around- I’ve had good luck there. Maybe give the shop a test with a simple oil change and see how they do. If all goes well, then you can move forward with this repair.

 

[mattd]

Funny, I was disappointed to see that an '07 I did a couple years ago was leaking. It appeared to be from the timing cover, but it also looked like the valve cover gaskets (I've since learned Felpro should be avoided) and maybe the crank seal were leaking.

Point being, with the vc gaskets and crank seal in play I can't swear the timing cover is leaking also (but probably)

It was slight and was causing minor ooze on the motor but no actual drips. I didn't say anything -- perhaps because I'm chicken or dishonest -- but at this stage it hardly seems worth the work of re-sealing it when it's not dripping or even close to dripping.

I wonder if these 3.5s just like to leak or I'm that incompetent. @mattd do you see leaks on these as a common problem, esp a couple years after doing a water pump and timing set?

Prep is very important to get a long term reliable seal between the front cover and the block/oil pan. The phosphoric acid wipes do make a big difference