Hello,

I recently replaced the timing chain, water pump, and gaskets because of an antifreeze leak. After putting it all back together, an oil leak started.. So i tore it all back down, permatex'd the heck out of it, and now am trying to put it back together. I have all the bolts in the timing chain cover and water pump, the driver side oil pan bolt, but I can't get the passenger side oil pan bolt in! I can see about half of the thread hole, but can't wedge it in there.. The first time I did this I had the same problem, but it seems to be a little harder to get it in this time. I'm thinking about just leaving it out and hoping the gasket sealer does magic and it doesn't leak.. I have tried loosening the entire cover and starting that bolt first but no luck. I'm out of ideas and thought I would come here and ask for help. Do you think I would be crazy to leave that bolt out? Would it be a guaranteed leak? Anybody have this same problem and have an idea to help me? Thank you in advance. Also, rain is coming in a day and I really need to get this back together asap!

Matt

 

so i just talked to a mechanic friend, and he gave me the idea of wallowing the oil pan a little bit to make it bigger and fit the bolt in, then use a washer and gasket sealer and hope for the best. i'm really not sure if i have enough room to get in there though. i am so close to just putting it back together without the bolt and hoping for the best though.. please reply and help me asap.. i am soo frustrated with this

 

ok well nvm on that, i finally got the bolt in! but thanks for all the quick replies and good advice... anyways; now i have it put back together and running. BUT now it has a slight miss (shakes a little at idle) AND a little knock in the engine?!!? i don't understand. i change the timing chain and gasket, water pump, temperature sensor, cooling system connector, oil, plugs and wires, put it back together and it ran perfect, just the small leak coming from the u shape on the oil pan where the timing chain cover seals to it. so i tore it all back apart, sealed the spot where oil was leaking from, and now it doesn't leak but these other problems arose.. really mad this happened and wondering if anyone has any advice. any help or ideas would be MUCH APPRECIATED! THANK YOU!