Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Before you break the old timing cover try heating the section around the bolt - lower heat like a propane torch, while trying to wiggle the bolt with vice grips.
If you can heat the t/case cover enough to expand it a bit, the bolt may come free. Worst that can happen is you screw up the cover but your other plan probably gaurantees you're buying a new one so nothing to lose by trying.
I've gotten a couple out that way.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Pretty common for those bolts to sieze in the aluminum and break - so it's not just your truck. Bolts probably been in there for 20 years.
You might get lucky and find one at a junkyard that will come undone, look for a new looking timing cover or water pump.
Worst comes to worst some grade 5 readi - rod might work if you can find the right thickness.

93Bandit

Thanks.

I tried heating the cover with a propane torch but it won't budge. I'm just going to cut that section of the cover and get it off. I don't have much more time to screw with it. It's my only vehicle and I don't want to be without it more than a week.

93Bandit

I wonder if a dealer would have the correct bolts? They'd be proud of them, but I need them. I call around tomorrow.

sdmartin65

Dorman sells a bolt kit, it has three or four bolts and has the one you need. In my area Oreilly had the kit in stock.

rbohm

amk and arp both sell sets of front cover/water pump bolts in complete kits.

93Bandit

I'm not 100% sure on that without comparing them side by side, so I'll check into that.

I looked at those kits, but reviews claimed they didn't have all the right bolts. And the description of the bolts sounds like they fit a mustang which has a different style of PS and AC bracket which means the stud locations are different.

I located a part number and called a dealer. Hopefully they can locate some bolts. Hopefully they call me back too...

nrivera04

The dorman kit worked on my grandfathers 89... There's a few different lengths for different applications. This is just for the long bolt with studs. As far as replacing all the bolts, I just spent some time in front of a bolt bin getting some grade 5 bolts. For the stuck bolt, I had to break the timing cover, but once that happened, the bolt came out by hand.

I also changed the timing gears and chain while it was apart and surprisingly it eliminated a lot of valve rattle when the engine was lugging... Not necessarily a requirement, but I'd recommend it.

93Bandit

I'll check out that dorman kit.

Dealer called me back and said he couldn't locate any bolts.

I thought about replacing the timing chain, but I've spend enough money already and it runs great so I'm not going to worry about it at this point. I plan on rebuilding the motor someday anyways.

rbohm

before you decide not to replace the timing chain, check carefully first. you might find that it stretched to where it needs to be replaced. and since you are there anyway, there is no need to do the job twice. and since you planning a rebuild later one, you can use an inexpensive stock timing chain set to save money.