[Dorf02]

I had to remove the timing cover to repair a coolant leak on my 2000 Ford Explorer. Now I'm having problems getting the cover lined up properly at the bottom. This engine has a one piece oil pan gasket. The original front pan to timing cover seal appears to be grooved where it mates to the pan. All the replacement gaskets have a solid seal which I believe is causing the alignment issues. Has anybody had this problem?

[1996thunderchicken]

yea i had a 1989 ford f150 that i had a timing chain to replace and afterward i had to use a good amount of atv sealant just put a few dabs on it then push the cover down until you can get the bottom bolts on where the cover meets the block and then the bottom bolts that go into the pan

[Dorf02]

I ended up using Permatex Ultra Grey on the pan and cover to make a seal as well as the gaps where the pan gasket was modified. Since there was no room to drop the pan, it was the best option. I let the vehicle sit for a week to let it cure really good. So far, it's sealing great.