87 xj 4.0

So I have a small drip from the front. When I had the oil pan off while I was doing my RMS I noticed a small gouge on the bottom of the timing cover. I know I should replace the timing cover but I don't really want to go through the labor of taking off the oil pan again and everything else to get the timing cover off. It doesn't drip bad just enough to mark its territory.

My question is can I just use some RTV on the outside edge to kinda seal it so it doesn't drip too bad.

I'm trying to get all my leaks taken care of. I used to have to add a quart every other day. Did the RMS and oil pan. did the oil filter adapter. Need to do valve cover and figure out what to do about the timing cover.

Might as well try RTV for now. Won't hurt anything.

Just know that that isn't a permanent fix and you'll eventually need to replace it.

I'm just glad you're going the RTV route and not the oil stop leak additive route.

I know I'll need to replace it at some point. I just figure I'd like to wait till spring when I don't have to lay down in the snow. Or when I can afford to have someone else do it since that job would be a PITA.

And yes ill use RTV vs stop leak. I know stop leak ruins seals.

Any body else have any other advice

you dont need to remove the oil pan to replace the timing chain cover

But won't I have to replace the oil pan gasket?

you just replaced the oil pan gasket so removing the front cover it should come free easily........most front cover gasket sets come with a small section of the oil pan gasket that comes in contact with the pan/cover. I have done a lot of small block Chevy's and that's how they come. If not, black rtv will work just as well or make the front section out of gasket material which is available at most auto parts stores.

When I replaced the oil pan gasket I used a one piece instead of the four piece

If it was the blue fel-pro gasket - It's reuseable.
As said before, the oil pan does not need to come off. You only need to remove those front 4 bolts.
Also, the felpro timing cover gasket set comes with an oil pan section that you can use. Just use a razor blade to cut the front part of the oil pan gasket and use some rtv in the corners where the new meets old. I think it also comes with a sleeve for the front of the crankshaft too in case you have any wear there...