Upper timing cover or main seal?

[Tyellis57]

Hey everyone, new hear. I’ve read through a series of threads trying to find what exact is going on but need some help. 1987 535is.

Have a pretty good size oil leak coming from the front end. Got it all cleaned up and did my best to find where it’s coming from but it’s flinging oil all over. There is a section that definitely looks like the upper timing cover. I currently have it pulled, cleaned up, and ready to install.

The question is, do i keep going? I’m worried it may be the front main and I really didn’t want to do it cause I already did the oil pan a month ago..

Timing cover is leaking down onto the ac compressor. Could that be causing some of the oil flinging? What are your thoughts?

[austin8753]

if there's any doubt, do it all. you don't have to break your new oil pan gasket/seal to remove the timing cover. just be careful and diligent when working and reassemble with some quality RTV sealant of your choice.

[Tyellis57]

Yeah I’ve pretty much made that decision. Appreciate the input regardless. Little defeated trying to get the crank pulley bolt off. Hoping a buddy has the tool.

[Chimi-Changa]

Not sure which sealant you are using, but this seems to be excellent. Just wait a min or two for it to set:

[Tyellis57]

Planned on using the permatex “the right stuff” ultra black sealant. Also heard durcon and aviation #4 if I believe.

[Chimi-Changa]

Planned on using the permatex “the right stuff” ultra black sealant. Also heard durcon and aviation #4 if I believe.

Ive tried all those in the past- up to you but Yamabond is likely the best sealant , next to the similar Honda product. ( Aviation #4 will be near impossible to clean off if needed to do again down the road)

[Tyellis57]

Appreciate the insight! Went ahead and got the parts to do it right.

- chain tensioner
- guides (chain and sprocket looks good)
- crank seal
- cam seal

Anything else? Oil pain gasket was already done.

Almost got the lower cover off. That damn crank nut is gnarly. Unfortunately don’t have a puller for the last part. Maybe tomorrow.