Timing Cover

Noticed an oil leak at the front of your motor? A warped timing case cover or a brittle seal is likely to blame. Leaving it unchecked exposes your valvetrain to road grime, which can cause serious engine damage. Machter provides durable, cost-effective alternatives to expensive dealership parts. Whether you need a timing cover with a gasket to simplify a DIY job or an aftermarket timing cover for your workshop, we have you covered. Use our online search tool to find the right fit for your model and order your timing cover online. Australia-wide and international shipping available.

The Importance of a Car Engine Timing Cover

The front of your engine is a brutal operating environment, facing constant thermal cycles and road debris. When an engine timing cover or its matching timing cover gasket fails, it does more than stain your driveway — it risks starving the engine of oil. If you’re tearing down the front of the motor to install a new car engine timing cover, it’s a brilliant opportunity to swap out other high-wear parts. Bundling this job with new timing chain kits or high-quality engine oil pumps ensures you aren't tearing down the same gear twice. Our digital catalogue features configurations for over 22,000 unique vehicle setups, all designed to survive harsh local conditions.

The Machter Advantage

We have spent over a decade providing specialised mechanical solutions for Aussie drivers and mechanical workshops. We don't believe in overcomplicated dealer pricing or long shipping delays. When you buy an engine timing cover from us, your order is backed by a 2-year local warranty and service you can trust. With fast delivery, we help minimise your time on the stands so you can get back behind the wheel sooner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a timing cover do?

An engine timing cover acts as a heavy-duty structural shield for your engine's internal timing components. It keeps dust, gravel, and moisture from interfering with the precise movement of your belt or chain. At the same time, it maintains a sealed environment so that the engine oil can continuously lubricate the valvetrain without spraying across your engine bay.

What are the signs of a leaking timing cover?

Technically, yes, but it’s not worth the risk. While a tiny oil weep won't stop the vehicle instantly, a serious leak can drop your oil levels dangerously low in a short amount of time, causing complete engine seizure. What’s more, escaping oil that contaminates your drive belts can cause them to snap, leaving you stranded without power steering or cooling. It’s better safe than sorry, so ensure you replace a leaking engine timing cover quickly.

The most obvious sign is fresh engine oil pooling directly beneath the front-centre of the car or dripping onto the ground. Other potential visual indicators include oil residue splattered over your alternator, water pump, or nearby engine mounts — or a cracked, dented or worn timing cover gasket. You should also watch out for your engine overheating or making unusual noises, such as grinding or rattling.

What is the difference between a timing cover and a timing cover gasket?

The engine timing cover is the protective, rigid cast metal or composite plastic housing that physically bolts to the front of the engine block. The engine timing cover gasket is a flexible rubber, silicone, or paper seal sandwiched between the rigid cover and the block to prevent oil from weeping past the metal surfaces.

Can I drive with a leaking timing cover?

Technically, yes, but it’s not worth the risk. While a tiny oil weep won't stop the vehicle instantly, a serious leak can drop your oil levels dangerously low in a short amount of time, causing complete engine seizure. What’s more, escaping oil that contaminates your drive belts can cause them to snap, leaving you stranded without power steering or cooling. It’s better safe than sorry, so ensure you replace a leaking engine timing cover quickly.

How long does a timing cover last?

It depends on a range of factors, such as the model and condition of your engine. With proper care, and provided it isn't cracked in an accident or warped by a severe engine overheat, a timing cover can last the entire lifespan of the car. That said, the pliable sealing material is prone to hardening and cracking over time, similar to the wear cycle seen on an ageing head gasket.

Secure Your Front-End Components Today

Don't let a bad engine timing cover compromise your engine’s reliability. Explore our catalogue of mechanical and engine parts, complete with fitment notes, to find exactly what your vehicle needs to stay oil-tight.