Timing Gear cover plate gasket, to use or not to use.

[Philthy Phil]

Recently got a 86 f350 with a 7.3 swap and needless to say the last owner knew nothing about these engines (doubled up crush washers in injector bores, 2 teeth off timing gears) so I'm retiming it and installing new front main seal, IP and injectors. The question is do I absolutely need the timing Gear cover plate gasket or can I go Rambo with rtv. Just seeing who's had luck or if it's forbidden. I'm well versed in idis but this is the first time not seeing a gasket in there.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

If you mean the one on the front side of the IP gear housing, just use RTV. Don't go Rambo on it. Just use a small bead. If you get too much on there, it can/will squeeze out on the inside of the plate and drop down into your oil pan.