302 timing cover problem

[Falcon79]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to change out the timing cover on my 1991 roller block so that the dipstick is located in the front and also so a mechanical fuel pump can be installed. To do this I have a timing cover from a 1966 289. My problem is that there are two alignment pegs coming out from the block that keep the older timing cover from sitting flush to the block. Should I drill the old timing cover or should i try to take the alignment pegs out? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[6Stang7]

If they are just alignment pegs, then I would try to remove them before you try to drill holes in the timing cover.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Those are just alignment dowels used with the later timing covers. They can be removed with no ill effects. You just have to install the cover the old way; by using the damper slipped onto the crank.

That's what I did with my roller 302.

 

[Falcon79]

by using the damper slipped onto the crank.

Can you explain that a little more, not sure i get what you are saying, this is my first time dealing with this stuff.

 

[woodsnake]

Those guys just pull out with a pair of pliers, they aren't "pressed in" or anything.
Make sure and install a new crank shaft oil seal before you put the new timing cover on the car, and put a very light coat of oil around the contact area before you slide it on the snout.
Also, use RTV at the corners to help prevent leaks.

 

[woodsnake]

Also, that is one crappy looking timing gear set up.
Are you thinking about replacing it while you have it all apart? Or is it new already? What kind of oil do you use? Is it a metal gear, or that crappy nylon thing?

And I see you have the two piece fuel pump eccentric.
I'm not really sure how the two are different, but it may become relevant to your project.

 

[gjz30075]

Can you explain that a little more, not sure i get what you are saying, this is my first time dealing with this stuff.

Those alignment dowels do exactly that: align the cover so the front seal fits the dampener evenly all the way around. So, if the alignment dowels aren't there, just use the dampener as the aligner, ie, before tightening the cover, slip the dampner on the crankshaft and allow the cover to 'float' around it and align itself.

Hope I didn't make things too confusing.

 

[2+2GT]

Can you explain that a little more, not sure i get what you are saying, this is my first time dealing with this stuff.

Install the cover, and the bolts, but don't screw the bolts in all the way. Install the harmonic damper, which tends to center the seal (and cover) on the crankshaft, then tighten the bolts.

 

[Falcon79]

Cool, I get it, thanks so much guys!

 

[S'portMustang69]

Wow those gears look like they have alot of buildup

 

[65ShelbyClone]

I was noticing the bit of sludge in there too.

 

[Falcon79]

Yeah I noticed it was pretty nasty too, what do you recommend? Any good products I could use?

 

[65ShelbyClone]

What oil do you use, how often is it changed, and how is the car driven?

Modern oils have largely made sludge little more than a scare tactic to sell oil to uninformed people, but there are still circumstances that can promote its formation. Very long drain intervals do a good job as do short trips that don't allow the oil to come up to temperature.

I would say regular oil changes(~4000-5000mi depending on conditions) would eventually clear it out. Many say that synthetic oil gets rid of it very quickly, but can also uncover "hidden" oil leaks by dissolving the crud that plugged them.