Hey guys, so after having it for about 3 months I finally got my project fiero on the road for a little bit today! It still needs some work (tie rod ends, sway bar links, etc) but it was running, driving and stopping, albeit a bit rough. It's a start though! Thanks to everyone who replied to my posts and giving me tips.

Anyway, sorry if this has been asked a million times. I have an 88 Iron Duke. It's leaking oil, I think it's coming from the timing cover where it meets the oil pan. The previous owner had it off to check the gears, noticed they were not the reason it wasn't starting and put it back on in a hurry because he got discouraged with it. I don't really want to mess with the gears unless they're toast. All I want to do right now is take the timing cover off, make sure the gasket is good and maybe put some RTV where it meets the oil pan as I've heard that's a common leak point. Anyone had oil leak from here before? My main question is, can I get that timing cover off with the engine in the car? My garage is pretty small and I don't have a lift. Just jacks and a stand... Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

Added a pic of my car because I'm proud of it 😉 the liquid on the ground is some brake fluid from when I bled the brakes and a bit of antifreeze from when I filled it. I love this car so much and I plan to paint it the original red and deep clean the interior in the spring.

Never removed the timing cover on an 88 Duke but assume that it is possible without pulling the engine. Might have to raise the powertrain a bit, pull the harmonic balancer and water pump pulleys but it should be possible.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

I'm a V6 guy and the timing cover removal is a time-consuming job...

Your best 'tool' is the 1988 Pontiac Fiero Service Manual and timing cover removal is in Section 6A1-16
I prefer the printed version
https://fieroinfo.com/manua...o_Service_Manual.pdf

Your best on PFF is the "Search" button, however I saw only a few threads on a later Duke...

Timing Gear on 1988 Coupe 4 CYL
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...020511-2-017836.html

88 4 cyl timing gear
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...090907-2-094650.html

In a 88 duke timing gear replacement thread:

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A: Realistically, you're going to have to remove everything off the front of the motor (passenger side)... or essentially get everything out of the way. Then remove the harmonic balancer, remove the timing cover, and you'll have access to the gears and can replace it then. Then just work in reverse. It's only complicated in remembering where everything is supposed to go after you've taken it all off... and making sure you clean everything well and use new gaskets, etc. It's definitely not impossible... but the L4 is a long engine and doesn't give you a whole heck of a lot of room in there to work.

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

Thanks guys! Appreciate the help. I'll check that manual out and see what it says. I plan to tackle this this weekend. I guess the best way to figure it out is to just dive in and try to get it off!

Thanks!

So I just did this last night, and if anyone has the same question I did it was pretty easy to take off with the engine in the car. Just had to take off the crank pulley and wiggle my hand in there with a tiny socket wrench to get the 8mm bolts out. It definitely was the source of my oil leak. There's was no RTV on the spot where the oil pan meets the cover. Just figured I'd follow up in case someone else had the same question

Excellent - Success!

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles