Timing Gear Cover 59341A1 18-1213 for MerCruiser 3.0L 2.5L 181 CID Volvo 3853135
Timing Gear Cover 59341A1 18-1213 for MerCruiser 3.0L 2.5L 181 CID Volvo 3853135
Product Overview
Timing gear cover for MerCruiser 2.5L and 3.0L four cylinder marine engines, the front cover that bolts over the timing gears on the 181 CID block. It replaces 59341A1 and is the part that carries the crankshaft front seal and closes the front of the engine. Build year, not serial number, decides most of the fit on these motors.
It fits MerCruiser GM 3.0L, the 3.0LX of 1996 and 1997, the 3.0L MPI EC, the 4.1L six and Volvo Penta GM 3.0L in all years. The same cover is also sold under 26-97335, 49951, 59341 and 35603, and it crosses to Volvo 3853135, 3853341, OMC, Johnson and Evinrude 0914327 and Sierra 18-1213.
On a raw water cooled motor this cover lives in the worst place on the engine. Salt sits in the lip around the front seal, the pressed flange rusts through from the inside, and the first sign is usually oil in the bilge after a run rather than a visible crack. A warped or corroded face will not seal no matter how many new seals go into it, which is why the cover itself is replaced.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | New / New with tags |
| Type | Timing gear cover, front engine cover |
| Fits | MerCruiser GM 2.5L and 3.0L, Volvo Penta GM 3.0L |
| Engine Family | GM inline four, 153 CID and 181 CID |
| Replaces | 59341A1 |
| Quantity | 1 cover |
| Net Weight | 710 g including packaging |
| Pack Size | 290 mm x 250 mm x 75 mm |
| Warranty | 3 year |
OEM Cross Reference
| Component | OEM Part Numbers |
|---|---|
| Timing gear cover | 59341A1 |
| Timing gear cover, earlier | 59341, 49951, 35603 |
| Timing gear cover, Mercury | 26-97335, FI1101014, FI1100622 |
| Timing gear cover, Volvo | 3853135, 3853341 |
| Timing gear cover, OMC / Johnson / Evinrude | 0914327 |
| Sierra cross reference | 18-1213, 18-56870 |
Compatible Engines
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Years | Cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MerCruiser GM 2.5L | 153 CID | 120 HP | 1980s to 1990s | 4 |
| MerCruiser GM 3.0L | 181 CID | 135 HP | All years | 4 |
| MerCruiser GM 3.0LX | 181 CID | 135 HP | 1996 to 1997 | 4 |
| MerCruiser GM 3.0L MPI EC | 181 CID | 135 HP | All years | 4 |
| MerCruiser 4.1L | 250 CID | 170 HP | All years | 6 |
| Volvo Penta GM 3.0L | 181 CID | 135 HP | All years | 4 |
What's Included
| Component | Detail | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Timing gear cover | 59341A1 pattern, front cover | 1 |
| Cover gasket | Not included, order separately | 0 |
| Crankshaft front seal | Not included, fit a new one with the cover | 0 |
| Bolts | Not included, reuse the originals if sound | 0 |
Cover Trouble Signs
| What You See | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Oil film at the front of the block | Front seal worn or cover face scored | New cover and new seal |
| Oil from the cover lip after a run | Cover warped or gasket face corroded | Replace the cover, not just the seal |
| Pinholes or white crust in the lip | Salt corrosion through the casting | Replace before it weeps |
| New seal leaks again in weeks | Seal bore worn or out of round | Cover with a clean seal bore |
| Slow coolant weep at the front | Face not flat against the block | Check the cover face for flat |
| Bolt thread stripped at one hole | Over-torqued on an old cover | Replace the cover |
Fitting Notes
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the block is a 2.5L 153 CID or 3.0L 181 CID GM marine engine |
| 2 | Drain the oil and remove the front pulley and the damper |
| 3 | Take the old cover off and scrape the block face clean, no gasket residue |
| 4 | Check the timing gears and chain while the cover is off |
| 5 | Fit a new front seal into the new cover before it goes on the block |
| 6 | Seal the new gasket to the block face and fit the cover squarely |
| 7 | Run the bolts down evenly, hand tight first, then in a cross pattern |
| 8 | Refit the pulley, fill with oil, run the engine and check for leaks |
Condition & Warranty
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | New / New with tags |
| Warranty | 3 year |
| Packaging | Sealed retail packaging |
Before You Buy
- Fits MerCruiser 2.5L and 3.0L GM marine engines, 153 CID and 181 CID
- Replaces 59341A1, also sold as 59341, 49951, 26-97335 and 35603
- Crosses to Volvo 3853135 and 3853341, OMC 0914327, Sierra 18-1213
- Fits MerCruiser 4.1L six cylinder and Volvo Penta GM 3.0L
- Cover gasket and crankshaft front seal are not included
- Check the block and the year before ordering, not the serial number alone
- 30-Day Easy Returns
- Ships from our warehouse with tracking
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Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
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