Escape/Tribute timing cover gaskets (short version)

[@loganlangdon5009]

This video was incredibly helpful and I could not have replaced the gaskets without your help - thank you very much (longer video as well). This was by far the most extensive work I've done on my vehicle and it took me ~60 hours (noting my inexperience and I replaced all my spark plugs which broke and left 3/6 of the threads stuck, taking a lot of extra time). I have a 2010 Ford Escape XLT (3L, V6). There were some variations, so do your research at each stage and the concepts are all the same. A few more comments: 1) Bolt map - I used old cardboard, outlined (i.e. valve cover, timing chain cover, oil pan) the part and placed the bolts in to ensure the bolts returned to their original spot. This was in addition to labeling bags for everything else. 2) My alternator was in the front of the engine but still had to remove a portion to unlock the timing chain cover. 3) I also replaced the intake manifold and EGR gasket which were quite worn. My vehicle has 285k. This fixed the P0171 (too lean) code that popped up after putting everything back together (took extra time to diagnose as well). 4) If you're an amateur I would highly suggest taking video/pictures at each step and including commentary to refer back to. Especially if doing over a longer period as it starts to get blurry over time. 5) My harmonic balancer didn't have bolt holes and therefore I needed a claw configuration. Make sure to double check which one you need. I view this tool mandatory to properly get the job done. 6) My timing chain cover was incredibly hard to remove (highly recommend the valve covers are removed). I ended up placing a 2x4 against the bolts that connect the timing chain cover to the engine mount and carefully tapped with a hammer until released. I watched the gap/crack slowly widen over an hour and once loose the cover was easily pulled out.

[@williammcleod7585]

Thank you for your input! I don’t work on Fords often, so hearing from someone who’s done the job with variations is great 👍

[@johng448]

I was a Mazda tech from 08 to 13 and the oil pain and timing cover leaks on theses was always super common. Was not uncommon to reseal a couple in a week sometimes in a day. With a lift and air tools this can be done in an hour or so. You're a real one for doing it in the yard. I know this was not fun without a lift. Nothing ever is.

[@williammcleod7585]

@@johng448 I appreciate that. Thank you. The work was hard, but it was absolutely worth it. I love this car-she bought it for $1200 US, and she still drives it. I thought it would be scrap within 6 months-and that was at 7 years ago

[@johng448]

@@williammcleod7585 That engine Mada AJ if I remember was designed by Porshe and Ford brought the design and changed some stuff on the heads. They never really tended to give any bad internal mechanical issue. Like maybe a chain tensioner here and there. They also have a bit of a convoluted cooling system . But as long as you can keep oil in them as fast as they leak they tend to keep running.

[@SteelskinDMC]

Well done! That leak is pretty serious and dangerous. Flames under my '04 MPV escalated this from "nagging leak" to "need to fix immediately" status.

[@kevinmercadel6817]

Great Job !! You took your time and did it the right way!!

[@googleprivacy2829]

i really enjoyed the quick run down format. i did the valve covers on my 2010 escrape v6 but apparently everything else decided to start leaking. irritating hazard, engine and transmission are killer. love hearing that V6 open up.

[@williammcleod7585]

@@googleprivacy2829 they do sound really good 👍

[@trevinogodfrey8002]

Great vid man

[@FireKnight099]

very explicative job! thank you

[@darren6762]

Well done!!! Big job that I'm about to do, very nervous and the only car I have so hopefully 2 or 3 days but knowing me 4 or 5.

[@williammcleod7585]

Just keep your bolts organized 🔩👍

[@fixitdaniel]

Good stuff nice video.

[@rma7921]

Excellent video, lots of info... need this done as well as track down an exhaust leak and extract a broken ac compressor bolt to replace. You do anything with the timing chain? Rails or tensioner? You replace the cam or crank sensors? Thx in advance... just trying to get all my ducks in a row and parts on hand before i tackle this elephant👍;)

[@williammcleod7585]

The guides and chain were okay, so I left them alone. Same with the cam and crank sensors-although I pulled them out of the timing cover to clean it. There was no rattle when I started the engine cold, and no rattle when I revved it under any circumstances, so I didn’t expect a problem with the timing chain or guides. When I got the cover off, I made sure that the timing chain guides were intact (no chunks or pieces missing), and that there was no slack in the chain. My friend was on a very tight budget, so I only replaced what was absolutely necessary. If you decide you want to replace the chain and tensioner/guides, you should research further. Pulling the timing cover is the hard part.

[@RGcorbett]

what's the best tool to use to get the exhaust off to drop the oil pan?? I tried using a 3/8 drill and socket combo but it didn't work...

[@MrKentaroMotoPI]

Mrs. Moto keeps everything in Ziploc bags too.

[@elflamo7612]

Nice work and quite helpful vid! Is the engine still dry?

[@williammcleod7585]

Yup. I’ll try to remember to take a picture next time I’m there

[@elflamo7612]

@@williammcleod7585 wow thats great. Currently, i've taken everything apart and have the cover off. Will start putting it back together again tomorrow. Am considering dressing the rubber gaskets in a light coat of rtv, besides using the rtv on the usual spots

[@williammcleod7585]

photos.app.goo.gl/xmpshqeUFVukZVuYA here’s the last picture I took a couple of weeks ago. I drove it 3 days ago, and no trouble. The timing cover gasket was the problem. The gasket leaks oil, and it goes down the “front” end of the engine and drips onto the exhaust, which is hot and makes the oil burn

[@diyguy2383]

I have 3 vehicle with this motor and 1 is getting this done next weekend. Gonna be some beer drinkin on this one haha

[@bradleyporter5454]

How was it?

[@kennyanderson1414]

This was the worst job I have ever done. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

[@boomerguy9935]

I have the 2008 Ford Escape Gen 2 which still has the Gen 1 3.0 V6 engine and transmission. I actually love the engine and I've had all the leaks EXCEPT this one done repaired professionally. Since it is so labor intensive (translation: expensive), I am waiting until my slow leak gets worse before I surrender and have it done as well. Being a 2WD model, it gets great gas mileage for a V6 and burns no oil. The cooling system is still good with no problems. Keeping my fingers crossed...

[@TheGel9001]

Any idea what a mechanic would charge to do this, I'm in SW Florida.

[@williammcleod7585]

Google it or call a trusted mechanic for a quote. Everything I have found so far indicates that it’s a $1,000-$1,200 job if you have to pay someone to do it. That’s why I posted this video-the parts are cheap, but the job is big. You need to decide whether you’re capable of doing this job yourself.

[@Tate.TopG.]

Is it possible to add permatex on the entire surface where the gaskets go? I am about to do the same project, but i am really tempted to add it. Is it good to do so? Thanks

[@williammcleod7585]

Honestly, I didn’t think about doing it. I would imagine it probably is okay as long as you don’t lay it on too thick and let the permatex set up before starting it-which you have to do anyway because reassembly takes so long. I say check the forums. I don’t have a lot of experience with Ford and it’s my friend’s car, so I wanted to do it by the book.

[@Tate.TopG.]

@williammcleod7585 Thanks a lot for your input. I add permatex, so I have a double protection in case the gasket failed in a few years. Of course, I put it and waited 1 hour to tie bolt to spec.

[@elflamo7612]

@@Tate.TopG. I'm considering to do exactly the same thing. Did it work out for you?

[@Tate.TopG.]

@elflamo7612 I put it all over the gaskets. It worked perfectly with me. Make sure you follow the directions with that product. Also, DONT FORGET TO ADD IT ON ALL THE 6 POINTS WHERE YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ADD IT. I forgot to put it on top (4 points) where the steering pump stays. The good thing is that it was an easy fix since it was on top.

[@loganblaylock8496]

So would it be easier to pull the engine for it

[@williammcleod7585]

Ha 🤣🤣🤣 not literally, but it’s a major pain in the ass for sure!

[@hernanmurillo8925]

Do you have to remove the oil pan?

[@borgdrone47]

I was wondering the same thing. I'm not sure why you would need to.

[@hernanmurillo8925]

@@borgdrone47 I don't think so. I'm gonna do this soon on mine so I'll let you know haha

[@williammcleod7585]

I’ve heard of people doing it without removing the pan, but it’s not much extra work to do it-and I feel like it’s worth it to make sure everything seals properly. With the pan on, there is upward pressure on the timing cover when you seal it. With it off, the timing cover can settle where it wants to go.

[@hernanmurillo8925]

@@williammcleod7585 not much work? You have to remove the exhaust bolts lol

[@williammcleod7585]

It’s true, removing the exhaust bolts can be a pain. I had to replace two of them. But I was already taking all the other stuff out-it felt like cheap insurance. I didn’t want to have to dive back into it.

[@gerardolopez5875]

43 hrs???? Iam plannnig to do it this weekend

[@williammcleod7585]

I should explain I had to unpack and repack my tools each time I worked on it, and I did it during me free time while not working. I also had kids asking me questions as I worked haha

[@gerardolopez5875]

@@williammcleod7585 @ did the gasket job!! But the oil pan still leaks!!

[@williammcleod7585]

Did you replace the pan gasket? If so, did you take a wire wheel to the gasket surfaces to clean them?

[@gerardolopez5875]

@@williammcleod7585 @ fix it! It was the oil pan was cracked!! Thanks!

[@gerardolopez5875]

43 hrs?

[@AnadohKwesi]

Kwasi

[@perrykomick9478]

41 hours? Wtf?

[@williammcleod7585]

@@perrykomick9478 I had to break the whole thing down into roughly 2 hour sessions during winter with no power tools. I had to unpack my tools and pack them back up before leaving each time because I couldn’t leave them outside. It goes a lot faster if you can dedicate an entire day or two, but I didn’t have that option.

[@izaacschwieterman132]

​@williammcleod7585 you did a great job man I couldn't do that in 41 hours it would probboly take me 3 days all day straight.