Does the timing cover gasket simply contain the engine oil, or does it also seal the cooling system? I have a coolant leak that appears to be coming from near the bottom side of the timing cover someplace, but not sure if it could actually be the timing cover gasket. Thanks in advance.

 

The timing cover does not contain the cooling system.

What you are likely seeing is the end result of coolant leaking from point A, then running downwards in the engine bay AND being blown towards the back of the car.
So it may not be leaking from directly above where you see the coolant -- it may be forward of that.

I would check the plastic end tank of the radiator on that side for starters.

As an aside, my 97 sc2 developed a leak where the endcap meets the rest of the radiator. The only place I ever found coolant residue was about a foot behind it on a part of the frame---because of the wind.

If it is a fast enough leak you may be able to let it idle in the driveway and find the source (without the wind).

 

Please stop by the New Member section to introduce yourself and your ride.
Post some pictures, tell us a bit about yourself. If you make it there, ill give you the list of rules!
See yuh in the New Member section bud

 

Thanks Derf, that's what I thought but wanted to make sure. After I posted last night I found some additional info that led me to the problem. Crossover tube gasket, apparently a chronic problem on these 3.5L engines. Got it fixed today, pain in the butt, but can be done at home without being a master mechanic. Thanks. Pic of the gasket attached.

 

what's a crossover tube? And if it's a tube, why does it have such a strange gasket?

Also, if that black stuff is the gasket, it looks like it was applied by a 5 year old. I guess you don't know if that tear was there before you took it off but I would think it was if it was the source of the leak.

 

It's basically just a manifold that the coolant lines connect to. The alternator and power steering pump bolt onto it also. I found on another website the other night a bunch of people complaining about this gasket. one guy posted a pic of the blown gasket from his and it was blown in exactly the same spot as mine. video on youtube also that shows how to change it.

 

Thank you for the description and also letting us know there is a youtube vid out there