After removing the lower timing chain cover and not finding anything wrong on my "new" 1995 XJ6 VdP, I am attempting to temporarily reinstall the lower timing chain cover so I can try turning the engine over on the starter to see if the cams move as expected. However when I attempt to slide the lower cover back in, the part of the head gasket that extends out from the front edge of the engine block and over the upper surface of the lower timing cover wants to bunch up or crinkle instead of letting the upper surface of this timing cover slide smoothly over it and back into place.

Anyone have any suggestions about how to get this lower timing cover back into place without totally screwing up the head gasket or otherwise creating a huge oil leak after reassembly?

 

Perhaps I am the only one to do this removing of the lower timing cover in recent memory since there are no replies?
I hope that I do not have to remove the cylinder head in order to reinstall this.

 

I have never tried to remove the front cover from an AJ6/16 without removing the cylinder head.
The older XJ/XK engines had studs into the front of the oil pan so it was easier to remove the oil pan also but I did hear of a few that removed the studs and slid the front cover over the front of the oil pan, then reinstalled the 5/16" studs.

The 'proper' way is to remove the pan and head, install the front cover, then reinstall the pan and head.

bob

 

I have done this job before and found that the cylinder head must be removed otherwise the head gasket will be damaged. I have never removed the oil pan during his job. I cleaned the front cover and oil pan and then used a generous amount of sealant on both components. The head gasket has a seal for the oil port to the upper tensioner that could leak giving you a internal oil pressure problem.

Larry Louton