Timing Gear Case Gasket

[JMcCoy]

I am getting ready to replace my tappet cover, swap my cam, and replace my spring retainers today. I already have the timing gear housing cover, vacuum pump, and fuel pump removed, as well as the radiator and intercooler. I have around 230,000 miles on the clock. My question is, should I also pull the hear housing off and replace that gasket? It is not currently leaking. It would not take that much more work and I already have the gasket. I just don't want to open a can of worms where the case meets the oil pan and cause a leak. If I do, are there any tricks other than slathering RTV everywhere? I would appreciate any information or advice. Thank you.

 

[BigPapa]

If it were me, I’d change it. No tricks I know of. Make SURE to clean all the bolts AND the bolt holes and apply red lot items before reassembly.

 

[GAmes]

My first major oil leak was the gear case where it bolted to the block. Changing it was an excuse to upgrade the cam. I would advise not to be "slathering RTV everywhere". Good cleaning and loctite are all that is needed.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I personally would replace the gasket since you are that far into it.

I would coat both sides of all the gaskets with Permatex “The Right Stuff” gasket maker.
Used it when doing my dowel pin on the cover gasket with no leaks over 250k.
Works great on diff covers with no gasket.

 

[JMcCoy]

Thank you for the replies. I took y'alls advice and replaced the gasket. I'm glad I did because the old gasket was pretty brittle. One thing I didn't like was that I had to trim the bottom of the FelPro gasket where it made contact with the oil plan gasket. I had an old FelPro gasket left over from when I did my KDP years ago, and it was also almost 1/8" long. I ended up putting Ultra Black RTV on the pan gasket and up both sides about 1/2" of the timing case gasket. I also put a small dab at the top (non-sealing surface ) just to keep it in place. My new cam is in, which is a miracle. Now I just have to replace the valve spring keepers/retainers, lift pump, tappet cover, injection pump (17*) and some soft lines. Oh boy! I'll probably peck at it tonight then hit it hard on Saturday. Thank yall for your advice.