Date: Sun, 20 Sep 1998 20:41:05 GMT From: Ywan Mason <ymasonnopsamsouth.net> Subject: Re: Removing balancer shaft chain on 9000 turbo
The oil pan is sealed with only sealant. breaking it in the front may bring leaks. I have done the job successfully by only removing the timing cover and applying locTite 518 anaerobic sealer to both the cover, lower part of head gasket that is exposed when the cover is removed and the oil pan. Any excess of this sealer will not dry and plug oil passages. If you have a worn balance chain, chances are the cam chain is worn as well. There have been reports of gear wear in these engines, though I have not seen that. When its apart, make sure the gears are ok. If I had the timing cover off an engine, I would definitely replace at least both chains. We overfill the 2.3 engine to the X in MAX on the dipsticks. This doesn't cause any aeration, leakage or other problems. Our regular customers and our own cars do not have timing chain or balance chain problems as the overfill allows a bit more oil on the chain. Stick with a factory filter and use 10w30 oil, preferably synthetic, especially in turbos. Other viscosities don't work as well and when you go to the ones with a wider range, like 15-50 or 20-50, the oil is too thick and contains more additives to bring about the increase in viscosity range. The additives are what break down and lead to sludge formation and turbo coking.
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