Front Seal Replacement

[Jim-ME]

Has anyone tried to replace the front seal leaving the timing cover in place, drilling out the rivets and then dropping the sump to get the rivets out? Almost seems easier than removing the timing cover. Also can anyone tell me the size and length of screws to get? Thanks,
Jim

[mfreeman]

Yes, I have done it. Not proud to admit it since it has the potential to push the old rivit material into the oil pan and then possibly ingested into the oil galleries though the oil pump.

I did take the oil pan out and collected the little bits, much easier that taking apart the front of the motor. In my case I had little at risk and it worked fine. Like many things in Roverdom, there are trade-offs.

I don't remember the fastener size. I took one of the old rivits to the hardware store and fit to size.