Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Timing Cover Cap

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Quick question, on 24-valve engines that have the driver side breather tube coming off the tappet cover- how do you remove the thin cover over the hole in the timing cover in order to see the TDC mark or remove the VP44? Tried prying it and twisting it a little but didn't come loose, didn't want to force it not knowing the proper way to remove it. Pulling the VP to replace the tappet cover gasket and cam position sensor. Thanks...

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Looking at it from the front, turn it CCW one turn to unscrew it.

 

[klcammie]

let us know how everything goes. This is something I need to do in near future.

 

[n7gxz]

If you have a pair of larger channel locks turn it CCW, takes about one turn to come off. Don't use the nipple that the rubber hose goes on, it will break fairly easily.

Kevin

 

[BoeingDiesel]

VM, I’m presuming based on your question you haven’t tackled the VP44 R&R. My old ’99 lost the pump almost two years back, and more out of curiosity rather than necessity, I decided to do it myself. To say the least, it was a humbling experience that consumed about sixteen hours of my time. I suppose I could have gone much faster but was more intent on following the procedure, which is a must if you want things to go smooth.

I highly recommend you watch Dan McDonalds video [link attached] and have all of the proper tools. Best of luck!

Gregg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPZR5an9LCY

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

yeah I got it off no problem, Joe thanks for the tip. The VP44, lines, intake horn and starter are on the floor in the garage, LOL. It wasn't bad getting it out but did require breaking out the gear puller from my 12-valve timing kit. Had it out in about 45 minutes. I've pulled P-pumps 3 times, definitely easier doing a VP44.

I am finding an aging 24-valve needs some TLC! The tappet gasket was totally shot, the O-ring on the crank position sensor was broken, the starter contacts were about wasted away (threw in a Larry B's kit) and the intake cover plate gasket was badly deteriorated, the gasket was so bad it had to be leaking. Should have it together in a day or two, between other things, been doing a little extra stuff like painting the intake cover, putting in a larger ID tube for the blowby hose, and cleaning up the injection lines a little.