Using Bar’s stop leak for timing chain cover leak

I have a 2010 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 Litre V8 5 speed manual with just over 28,000 miles, had a oil leak and took into the shop and they put in dye to help find the leak and said it was the timing chain cover gasket failure that's causing the leak they believe, I plan on getting the leak fixed by replacing the timing chain cover gasket as I love this car and compulsively hate oil leaks/ burning smell but it's a expensive labor project and have to save for, I use synthetic 5-20w oil, the question is I bought some "Bar's" brand oil stop leak at the recommendation of a mechani
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Stop leak products are generally an amateur, unprofessional solution to a TECHNICAL problem. Factory Service Manuals do NOT recommend or specify stop leak products BECAUSE such products are NOT considered to be an acceptable repair strategy, save for rare exceptions. The composition of your question clearly indicates that you understand that the OPTIMAL solution is to just fix the gasket(s) and you are simply seeking a stop gap (no pun intended) measure while you prepare for that repair. After having researched these products for decades and having tried a few, talked to manufacturers and so forth, I would suggest that you just let the vehicle leak until it was repaired assuming of course that oil is NOT leaking onto a hot manifold thus creating fire and health hazards. Of course, it is best to just simply prioritize the repair and one possibility insofar as the cost, as well as the diagnosis, is to get a second opinion from YourMechanic.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The only two options for fixing a timing cover oil leak is to restore the gasket or replace the gasket.
Timing cover oil and coolant leaks are common, the oil and coolant don`t normally mix. Our technicians recommend to replace the timing chain and cam sprocket if the timing cover is removed to reseal – or for any other reason.
This is most likely an indicator of a bad timing cover gasket, which your mechanic can replace. There could also be physical damage to your timing cover, preventing it from sealing properly. Look for cracks that may be the source of the problem.
If you have a minor leak, you might be able to continue driving the vehicle if you keep an eye on the oil level. However, you should address the issue as soon as possible because the leak will likely get worse. A substantial engine oil leak can result in a low oil level and possible internal engine damage.
3M High Temp Silicone Gasket sealer can be used on intake manifolds, oil and transmission pans, timing chain covers, thermostat housings, and valve covers. It is easy to use by simply applying it to a clean and prepped surface area, and you can start the engine 15 minutes after application.
The labor involved in replacing a timing gasket cover is higher than average, which means it can be pricey to have the part replaced by a mechanic. For most cars, this service should be performed every 100,000 miles.
Timing chains are made of metal, but over time and through exposure to high heat and physical stress, they can suffer from wear and tear. Eventually, they will break.
A timing chain synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s) ensuring proper timing and allows the engine`s valves to open and close during each cylinder`s firing. The chain is located inside of the engine and needs to be lubricated by the oil in the engine, making oil maintenance important as well.
If you notice oil leaking from the front of your vehicle, there is a chance that the engine is leaking motor oil from the timing belt cover. Along with wearing out the timing belt, this leakage can cause the engine to overheat.
Other indications that the gasket or cover itself might be failing include: a knocking sound from the front of the motor while it`s running (as the loose cover moves against the engine), a rough-running motor (due to dirt interfering with the timing belt or chain) and a check engine light (caused by the loss of vacuum …
Coolant should not be leaking out of timing cover. You most likely have a water pump or hose leaking. The cooling system should be pressure tested to isolate and locate the leak.
Signs that indicate your timing cover needs to be replaced include: A grating sound coming from the engine when the vehicle is running. The engine oil is leaking from the vehicle. Missing timing marks that show up as a decrease in power as you drive up steep inclines.
Though timing belts don`t need lubrication, you can lubricate a timing chain. This keeps the rotational system of the crankshaft and camshaft(s) running smoothly. DIY Car Service Parts stocks a wide range of lubricants so that you can maintain your car`s health.
For example, silicone gaskets are a better choice when dealing with extremely high temperatures. Natural rubber can work well in temperatures from -58 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Silicone can handle more extreme temperatures from -58 degrees to 446 degrees.
You do not have to, but it would be best if you do. You do not want DEBRIS,or parts of the old gasket in the oil .
This repair takes on average 2.66h – 3.25h for a mechanic to complete. A mechanic can replace your timing cover which protects your timing belt from road debris, grime, and gravel. If engine oil or coolant is leaking, or there`s a rasping sound coming from the front of the engine, you`ll need this service.
This repair takes on average 2.66h – 3.25h for a mechanic to complete. A mechanic can replace your timing cover which protects your timing belt from road debris, grime, and gravel. If engine oil or coolant is leaking, or there`s a rasping sound coming from the front of the engine, you`ll need this service.
This repair takes on average 2.66h – 3.25h for a mechanic to complete. A mechanic can replace your timing cover which protects your timing belt from road debris, grime, and gravel. If engine oil or coolant is leaking, or there`s a rasping sound coming from the front of the engine, you`ll need this service.
The pump shaft seal allows the rotating shaft to enter the `wet` area of the pump without leaking fluids. Every pump shaft seal has a minimal (acceptable) consumption of fluids.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Using Bar’s stop leak for timing chain cover leak
ANSWER : Stop leak products are generally an amateur, unprofessional solution to a TECHNICAL problem. Factory Service Manuals do NOT recommend or specify stop leak products BECAUSE such products are NOT considered to be an acceptable repair strategy, save for rare exceptions. The composition of your question clearly indicates that you understand that the OPTIMAL solution is to just fix the gasket(s) and you are simply seeking a stop gap (no pun intended) measure while you prepare for that repair. After having researched these products for decades and having tried a few, talked to manufacturers and so forth, I would suggest that you just let the vehicle leak until it was repaired assuming of course that oil is NOT leaking onto a hot manifold thus creating fire and health hazards. Of course, it is best to just simply prioritize the repair and one possibility insofar as the cost, as well as the diagnosis, is to get a second opinion from YourMechanic.

My mechanic is saying the timing chain is bad (causing oil leaks). Does a timing chain cause oil leaks? What are your thoughts?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. Timing change themselves cannot cause an oil leak but the timing chain cover can cause an oil leak. In order to replace the timing cover gasket, you will have to remove the serpentine belt and anything that has belt driven. This includes the alternator power steering pump air conditioning compressor and crankshaft pulley as well as the water pump. Once all of this is remove the timing cover can be removed and the gasket can be replaced. I would strongly recommend having this job performed by a professional as many parts are required to be removed in order to even access the timing cover. Here at YourMechanic, we can have a technician come to your home or office to perform this replacement for you.

Timing chain positioning
ANSWER : This system is a bit complex. I can give you some instructions, but I highly recommend getting a hold of a repair manual or purchasing a yearly subscription for just your vehicle from AllData. It is only $25 for a years subscription from AllData.

There are two separate sets of marks on this system. One set is for aligning the timing chain to the camshaft gears and the intermediate shaft gear. There will be marks on the chain that raps around the crankshaft gear as well. These marks will not line up after you turn the motor over.The other marks are on the inside of the camshaft gears and align with the cylinder head parting line. If you were to draw a ling through the center of both camshaft gears, they should line up with that imaginary line.

The crankshaft key way should be aligned with the mating face of the main bearing cap. You can confirm it is in the correct position by verifying the number one piston is at top dead center. If you have removed the balance shaft timing chain, these marks really need a visual diagram to understand where they should be aligned. Without a diagram I am not very confident it can be explained very clearly.

This may be difficult to to follow, so again I highly recommend purchasing a repair manual in digital form or a book. If you feel this is over your head, I recommend the following inspection to help you out. Timing chain replacement

Good luck! I hope I was able to help you.

need a way to retain the timing chain
ANSWER : The best way to approach this unfortunately is by using a timing chain tool retainer/holder tool. You may consider having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home replace the timing chain.

I used stop leak to fix a slow leak in my water pump,it worked but the car went into limp mode after it.
ANSWER : Stop leak in the cooling system is likely to cause more problems than it will solve. Modern cooling systems are much more finely drawn and have far smaller passages than older cars, and stop leak will jam things up. I can’t think how it would make your car go into limp home mode however, unless it was a coolant level fault.Of course a code read is in order and that should tell the story. Meanwhile, it’s clear that you need to take care of that water pump problem It may appear to be fixed, but the leak will be back. If you want some help with this, you can Contact Your Mechanic. They can send a technician to your home or office who can read the codes on your Jaguar and tell you what this limp home thing is all about.

water is leaking from my radiator. I have to put antifreeze every other day. I put stop leak but it did not work and my A/C stopped working
ANSWER : If you are losing coolant from your radiator, the radiator will need to be replaced in order to stop the leak. When your coolant level drops past a certain point, the air conditioning will no longer work because the engine is overheating. I would recommend having a qualified mechanic perform this service to prevent any possible problems during the repair as well as having a warranty to go along with the repair.

After the radiator is replaced, I would the recommend having a cooling system pressure test performed to ensure that there are no more leaks in your cooling system. Once it has been verified that the leak has been repaired, have the air bled from the cooling system because any air that is left in the cooling system will cause the vehicle to overheat.

Timing Chain Cover Leaking
ANSWER : You’re correct, it really does depend on the severity of the leak. However, if you keep an eye on your engine oil level, you can continue driving your car with a leaking timing cover. When you do decide to have the cover gasket replaced, there’s really no reason to replace the chain while you’re in there. Timing chains are designed to last the life of the vehicle and are quite reliable on engines such as yours. Also keep in mind, YouMechanic provides excellent timing cover gasket replacement service at your home or office.

Engine oil leak should I use Stop leak?
ANSWER : I would advise against putting stop-leak in your engine. If you have already done so, I recommend you change the oil right away. Many aftermarket manufacturers are selling products that look like a good answer to a complicated problem, but can in fact lead to more problems. I would be very worried about some of the more sensitive components like the valve drive system being affected by the stop leak. It may end up costing you more money than just replacing the turbocharger. As for the turbocharger, you need to check the crankcase vents and the oil return line. If either of these is partially blocked it can cause the turbocharger to leak, usually into the exhaust or intake side causing lots of smoke. If you have a severe leak and can’t afford a new turbocharger, You may be able to buy a good used one, but that’s a risky purchase and you could also end up wasting a lot of money on a part that is no better than the one you have. It’s a tough call, but if you contact Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office and check out your car and advise you on what to do next.