Is there a gasket or anything stuck to the timing belt cover? I just got done putting a timing belt on the '97 CE 4 cyl I just got. I think I did something bad by removing the foam material that was stuck to the cover. My Chilton's manual mentions putting an adhesive gasket in there but a few places online didn't say anything about there being a gasket. Also only 1 of the 3 local parts stores even listed a gasket, which they called a dust shield, & it was a special order item. I removed the foam gasket b/c it was a little torn up and had RTV sealant smeared on it.

So, is there supposed to be a seal on the timing belt cover, and if so where can I get one at?[/align]

 

There is typically rubber or some other material gasket between the cover and block, this keeps out water and other debris. Perhaps this why they call it a dust shield. Using RTV is fine as a replacement if the seal is damaged, done this many times.

Try www.rockauto.com for the gasket, but if you applied the RTV it should be fine.

 

I'm not sure if the design changed in 97 but there is usually a grove cast into the timing cover and a rubber seal fit into the grove. Time drys out the seal and it cracks and breaks. What I have done is just place the seal in the grove and smear RTV or other sealant into the cracks and breaks, let it dry and re-use. I would not stick the cover on withRTV as it will adhere to the block making removal difficult.Someone may have used foam tape to repair the original seal. A rubber based foam would probably be ok as it's just a dust/water seal and is not meant to be "water tight".

 

Thanks guys! No luck at Rockauto so maybe I'll go to a hardware store and see what they have. What was on there honestly looked like that foam camper tape to me. If I could find a thinner version of that stuff I'd be in great shape!

 

Try this link:

http://info.rockauto.com/BeckArnley/...ml?0380236.jpg