2003 3.0 timing cover

[RyanW1985]

Pointer rotting off and barely on, moulded into cover so need to swap cover. Heard you have to drop oil pan but heard not needed also. I have swapped one before on a SBC and no leaks. Is it possible on this motor and if it is a gray area like I am thinking how lucky do I have to be?

 

[kenny nunez]

You do not have to pull the pan, I always substituted a good grade of silicone sealer to replace the gasket under the timing cover and always used a new gasket between the block and the cover.

 

[Scott Danforth]

buy a new cover

pan has to come off, so motor has to come out. you can mangle the old one out and the new one in, however they seam to leak

paint the cover before installing. factory unit has areas not painted as it is installed without paint and they simply hose down the whole motor, so they rust out.