Mercruiser 4.3 6c - Best 4.3 Timing Cover

[@user-ci2gi2rz4f]

Hello, i change the timing cover and gasket oil pan and use the plastic timing cover Dorman, it works well for a couple of months but a little leak arrived. I'll do it again but with an aluminium cover.

[@JacobWinkle]

Really good video, I appreciate the showing because I was looking at that ATP as well. Even just looking at the pictures, it looks like better quality over the Dorman. Im not planning to use the gaskets tho when I do it. From being a Chevy Technician at Carlsbad California dealership, I learned the best thing is to use UltraGrey. I use this stuff a lot and have never had an issue with it. I remember when I did an oil pan gasket and I made sure the service writer got me UltraGrey because if I'm going to put my name and sign that work order. I'm going to make sure the customer isn't going to be upset they have a leak because of crappy gaskets. Even tho I am a strick Fel-Pro guy for gaskets as they just work. But anyways, Service Writer was mad that I wanted a $26 tube of UltraGrey for doing a oil pan gasket but he ordered it haha. I showed everyone on the shop how awesome that stuff really is and once it fully cured for 24hrs. I took all the bolts out of the oil pan and ran the engine, no oil leaks whatsoever and everyone was so impressed by that. They strictly ordered the UltraGrey after that. I never got written up for doing that but they definitely told me not to do that shit again hahaha. I proved my point tho. Just want to add, works on the timing cover but the oil pan has a set groove for a gasket. If it had a set groove for a gasket, USE THE GASKET OR YOU WILL HAVE A LEAK. There is a time and place for a gasket maker but not if it has a groove for a gasket to be put there.

[@steincheers6031]

Thanks! I wish I could have seen the one you didn't prefer out of the bubble wrap because mine is leaking and I wanted to locate it from your video. But still a helpful video none the less. Thanks again.

[@kubaSWAT]

Hello, do You put the bead of RTV over the crank key to keep this sealed? Found some info about that but mercruiser manual says nothing…

[@moccasinmarine]

I’ve never done that in 40 years. No problem so far. I see it all the time though.

[@marekmarko2274]

Hi, I was running my boat at high speed around 85 percent of max and one of my engines drop oil pressure at idle. Both were 40 before but now one of them is around 10 when hot. When I bring the rpm 200 more from idle just up to 1000 rpm it has 40 again. When I run them the oil pressure stay still the same on both engines except the idle. I read something about the oil pick up tube could get loose.... would anyone have some idea what else could this to happen? Also when the engines are cold the idle is 40 on both as was before. Thank you.

[@moccasinmarine]

You did t tell me what kind of engines you have? Do you know the serial number of the engines?

[@marekmarko2274]

@@moccasinmarine I dont have the serial number but they are 4.3L mercruisers EFI. The engines have less than 300 hours but they have been sitting for 4 years. There is just 22 hours on new oil Mercruiser 25W and mercruiser oil filters on both engines. The oil is very clean and the old oil was very clean before I changed.

[@moccasinmarine]

@@marekmarko2274 the first thing to do is install a mechanical oil pressure gauge to confirm that the oil pressure really is dropping. You could have an oil pressure sending unit going partially bad showing an improper reading. If that’s not it you could have a broken spring in the oil pump that is bleeding off oil pressure at idle. At higher speeds there is enough volume to overcome the broken spring. The oil pump is submerged in the oil in the pan so the pickup tube is not that critical to your issue.

[@marekmarko2274]

@@moccasinmarine Thank you so much!

[@Gojust2323]

What if you have crank sensor? Still use ATP?

[@moccasinmarine]

ATP sells both type covers. Im happy with their covers

[@kubaSWAT]

@@moccasinmarine Do you recommend oil pan gaskets for v6 4.3 ? Thanks

[@moccasinmarine]

@@kubaSWAT are you asking what oil pan gaskets I recommend? I use Fel Pro 90% of the time unless Rockauto has a sale on another brand. But it would depend on the year of the engine as to what part # I use.

[@vwpeacecar]

Ditch the plastic, Holley’s aluminum cover is the best one IMO.

[@moccasinmarine]

Why would I ditch a $28 cover that does a good job, doesn’t leak, comes with a new front seal (which is half the cost) that I don’t have to press in, and practically installs itself with built in dowel pins, just to spend more money for a part with the letters H O L L E Y on it? Also this channel is about boat engines and aluminum and saltwater don’t mix.

[@vwpeacecar]

This part and post has nothing to do with the brand “H O L L E Y”, although I understand that some bite into eye candy. I believe this is a problem solver part. There’s much to appreciate about this part: - it’s not a one time use part - doesn’t warp from heat and cause leaks - seals better - better on the environment

[@richardrogers1349]

@@vwpeacecar what is the holley part number... I am building a 4.3 with a balance shaft for a 77 toyota fj40 and I would like to have the aluminum myself but only if it will for sure seal lol rock crawling is a little tougher than water