Will this Blow-UP or damage an engine?

[RobOp]

I'm trying to troubleshoot a leaking timing cover - harmonic balancer seal leak. It only seems to leak when under load while cruising at 3200 to 3500 rpm.

I've run the engine in neutral at 2500 to 3000 for very brief periods to test, no apparent leaking.

My question - Will it hurt the engine to run it in neutral at 3500 rpm for say 5 to 10 minutes? (after it's warmed up)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Will this Blow-UP or damage an engine?

I'm trying to troubleshoot a leaking timing cover - harmonic balancer seal leak. It only seems to leak when under load while cruising at 3200 to 3500 rpm.

I've run the engine in neutral at 2500 to 3000 for very brief periods to test, no apparent leaking.

My question - Will it hurt the engine to run it in neutral at 3500 rpm for say 5 to 10 minutes? (after it's warmed up)

Ayuh,... In Theory, Nope....

Personally, I don't like to free-wheel motors like that....
And,...
Without a load, it ain't really Testin' anything...

 

[greg82255]

Re: Will this Blow-UP or damage an engine?

Ayuh,... In Theory, Nope....

Personally, I don't like to free-wheel motors like that....
And,...
Without a load, it ain't really Testin' anything...

Agreed.. Spinning the motor in neutral won't give you the test conditions you're looking for. It needs to be under a load.

 

[RobOp]

Re: Will this Blow-UP or damage an engine?

OK, that's the answers I was looking for. I was not comfortable with the thought of doing that in the first place.

Thank you both.

 

[netting one]

Re: Will this Blow-UP or damage an engine?

Is this a plastic timing cover your dealing with?

 

[RobOp]

Re: Will this Blow-UP or damage an engine?

It's metal, I have another posting titled " Is it possible to replace the timing cover on SBC w/o dropping the oil pan? "

Where I am actively seeking help with this leak.. Wish me luck!