Cracked timing cover 03 Exp 5.4

[nikrmg]

2003 Expedition 5.4 Eddie Bauer. I’m doing a full timing job, oil pump, water pump, and intake manifold. I went to put the timing cover on and couldn’t get it to sit correctly and realized it was cracked just above the crank seal. Thought it may have been cracked before install. Went and pulled one at the junkyard only to crack it as well. Now I’m sure it’s me doing something wrong. I’m following the torque sequence. What could be going wrong?

 

[Hamfisted]

Something in that area sticking out too far ? Did the new oil pump seat right to the block ? Timing chain crank sprocket sitting right ? Timing reluctor wheel facing the right direction ? Can you post a pic of the area under the damaged area of the timing cover ?

 

[nikrmg]

I took a video after I removed the cover and a photo of the cover after I had loosened it

 

[nikrmg]

 

[nikrmg]

Maybe I'm putting the tone ring on backwards? The orientation says rear and I'm facing it toward the motor.

 

[Hamfisted]

What happen to your stock reluctor wheel ? That one you have in your hand is NOT for your motor. You need the stamped steel one that should've been on there stock. Don't use that wheel again. You should put your model and engine in your signature line so people know what you might be working on. What engine do you have ? Because the timing covers have a different part number. But you can probably fix your stock timing cover with some JB Weld smeared into the crack on both sides of the cover. Clean it off with a wire brush and brake cleaner first.


You need this one ....

XW1Z-12A227-AC​

New Ford 5.4L Timing Cover




.

 

[nikrmg]

Oh! That’s what was on it when I opened it up! I wondered why it looked different. I edited to add that it’s a 5.4.

 

[Hamfisted]

You're saying it had that reluctor wheel in your hand on there when you pulled it apart ? Somebody else has been in there if it was, because that is not the right one for your year motor. You should have the stamped steel one in the pic I posted above. If you need one they're available online.

 

[nikrmg]

Yeah!! I’ll get the correct one ASAP and hopefully the cover will fit properly. I’m just not sure how they got it to fit in the first place without cracking.

 

[Hamfisted]

Was there a two piece crankshaft gear on there when you pulled it apart ? That's the old style, and that's when they used that thick reluctor wheel. So some previous owner has been in there hacking things up.

 

[nikrmg]

Nope. The crankshaft gear was different than what came with the new timing kit, but it wasn’t a 2 part. It doesn’t have that protruding edge.

 

[Hamfisted]

Ok. I don't know the history of your Expy obviously, but someone else has been in there before you. The stamped steel reluctor is what would've originally came on your Expy's motor. So get one of those and you should be good to go. Seal up the crack on the timing cover with some JB Weld epoxy and let it dry and smooth it out so it looks Ok. ( Or buy a new one .... ). Good luck.



New Ford 5.4L Timing Cover




.

 

[nikrmg]

I’ve had it all back together for a few days now and it is running sooo smooth! Thank you!