Thread: 96 Vortec 5.7 timing chain cover ?

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I'm in the process of swapping all the bolt on parts from my old 1996 5.7 sbc to a new long block. The plasitic timing chain cover has "Replace assembly if removed" molded right into the face of the cover. The gasket set that came with the new engine states that no gasket is provided for the timing chain cover because the cover must be replaced with a new one. What gives? The plastic cover came off the engine very easily. The rubber gasket looks perfect. The cover looks completely straight and true. No cracks or warps. The harmonic balancer seal looks perfect. Why does GM say you Must replace the assembly? What do you guys do?

-Kevin

1996 Chevy 1500 5.7L Vortec

I would replace it.....for 30-50 bucks would you want to replace it in the car ?

i just read something about the covers in car craft,they can be reset with some silicone but have to be carful to properly center it.
have not personaly done one though.

I have always had a policy that when I have a motor out, I drop the oil pan, clean it, and replace the oil pump and timing cover seal. I got lazy one time and went with the old one............guess what went bad in a little while and I had to change in the car ? I broke my own rule, and it bit me.

As Shawnlee said, it is so much easier to do while out, and these are meant to be one time covers. To paraphrase Dirty Harry, "how lucky do you feel ?" For the $ 50.00, do you really want to gamble?

BTW, I just replaced the plastic one on my '99 Vortec with a chrome timing cover off of an earlier model Chevy. Summit said it would work, and it seemed to go on ok.

Don

i have done some of them . i just buy the new cover form GM comes with the bolts i think it just a way for gm to sell you a front cover? like said $50 it is not worth a oil leak

Well, I definitely understand what you guys are saying but... I went against better judgment just because I can't see why this cover would leak. If it does I got what I asked for and will have to take off a ton of stuff to get to the cover. If GM took the time to actually mold the warning to "Replace Assembly if removed" right on the part there should be no reason to question it (now I'm second guessing the decision).
We fired the engine last night. Started instantly and sound great. So far no obvious leaks. We'll put a few hundred miles on it and report back.
Of course If it doesn't leak, I'm not concluding it was a the right decision just want to post the result.

-Kevin