I tried to remove the timing cover, and as I pried it away from the block a seal down below that runs between the block and the oil pan started to come with it. I think it's ripped now , and it I can't press the timing cover back in place. What have I done? Does the whole oil pan need to be dropped to fix this? Man I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach now.

 

Did you lower the oil pan when trying to remove the timing cover? If you did rip it you just need a new oil pan gasket, removing the pan isn't necissary for this. Some have lowered the pan and slid the gasket around the outside, then over the lip of the pan on each side, then just use some RTV and bolt it up. Don't worry too much about it, it's no more then a $30 part and an hour or so of work.

 

No, see, I didn't realize the oil pan gasket would try to come with the timing cover, so I didn't lower the pan at all. I'm not sure how you can replace that gasket without removing the whole pan, don't the bolts go through the gasket?

 

from past experiences, its actually a blessing in disguise that the lip ripped where it did, as it is a pain in the *** to try to reinstall the cover with it still in there

 

you might just be able to goop the RTV on the seam and seal it.

 

The bolts do go through the gasket. To replace the gasket of course you have to start by draining the oil and possibly removing the low oil level sensor (i don't have the stock windage tray so i'm not sure if you would have to). Then you remove all the bolts holding the pan in place, which at first looks a bit intimidating but a few extensions and swivels and it's cake. Once the pan is unbolted it will rest on the K-member. Now you can remove the old gasket or if you want, try and repair the old one with RTV. I suggest just replacing it though. The oil pan won't come out without lifting the engine up so in order to get the new gasket in without all that work some have slid the gasket up from under the oil pan into position. Use some RTV in the corners around the rear main seal housing and the timing cover and bolt the pan back up and your set. Just put the oil level sensor back in and fill it with oil and hopefully no more leaks.

 

Okay, maybe it's not as serious as I think then. I'll give this a shot. So should I try to get the timing cover back on before I replace the gasket, or the other way around?
[Edit: BTW, do I need a new gasket for the timing cover? I can't really tell if it even has one because it's so gunky under there]

 

Don't do the gasket until your timing cover is on. In the future it's best to lower the pan when removing the timing cover so you don't risk ruining the pan gasket. It's not much more effort and it makes it easier.

Also be sure to clean gasket surfaces well and when you put the timing cover on put a dab of RTV on each corner that contacts the block to ensure it won't leak.