1999 3.0 Ranger - Question about timing chain seal

[aaldape]

So a mechanic friend of mine has been helping get a very promising 1999 Ford ranger 3.0 V6 up and running, and we are replacing the crankshaft and main bearings this upcoming weekend. However, he mentioned a "timing chain gasket" as a part we may need to order, as apparently some of them are not reusable... Since this will be the first time I have ever torn into a 4 stroke motor of any type, I'm not real familiar with them, but I would guess it's the gasket for the timing cover?

The truck is about 3 hours away, so I will start it this coming weekend, but if I can round up the parts I need that would save time. Does anyone know if the timing chain gasket are reusable? Not that big of deal, but since I started all of this work back in MAY, I am tired of things delaying the progress, so I want to have all parts accounted for beforehand... Thanks for all help!

 

[gotmudd]

i haven't torn into many 4-6 cylinders but on every V8 i've ever done the gaskets are not re-usable and yes you're right it's a timing cover gasket unless he's talking about the seal in the front of the cover that the crank goes thru, in which case just pop that critter out and tap a new seal in its place, it's not worth the hassle to try to re-use a $6 seal and have to replace it if it does wind up leaking.

 

[sdjr]

for a cover gasket, I just used black RTV during my rebuild, 2500 miles, and no problems.

 

[aaldape]

Right on guys, I appreciate the replies... Sounds like I should be set to get this truck running by the end of the weekend! Then I can put some pictures up!