Curt

My 79 5spd. euro decided to start leaking oil out of drivers side cam cover gasket. I would like to tackle this problems this weekend. (hopefully)

I seem to get various answers on how to do this task. Some people say that the timing belt must come off, others say it doesnt. Some say its a very tough job and others say its not that hard. I would just like to hear it from someone that has done this before. Just last month I replaced the timing belts and other oil seals up front and really dont want to remove the timing belt again. However it wasnt that difficult to do so if i must pull it off to get to the cam cover i will do it.

Please anyone who is positive on what i need to do please respond

John Veninger

Curt,
I had to fix a drivers side cam cover leak on my Euro. The timing belt has to come off. How else would you lift the cam cover off of the block?
Here is the bad news. The drivers side is a b**ch! You will be dealing with the brake booster being in the way as you try and remove the allen screws. I suggest getting several allen wrenches and cutting the length as needed to remove the screws.
Good luck.

Curt

Thanks John, I figured someone was going to tell me what a b***h it is. I have looked at it very good the other day. Im not sure if the leak is coming from the cover or where the distributor housing bolts up to the cover. There must be some kind of seal or gasket that goes between the two. My books dont show anything however i do not own the shop manuals yet. Can anyone confirm what type of seal that is between the two?

But if im going to take it all apart I might as well remove that cam cover huh....