Oil Pan to Timing Cover Bolts

a87stang351W · Jun 6, 2010

I am reposting this thread because I started in the wrong spot...

I am new to this site, but have a fairly simple question. I have swapped a 351W (1979) into my 1987 LX 5.0. I replaced the timing cover on the 351 with an Edelbrock reverse rotation timing cover (part #4251).

My problem is that the 4 bolts that connect the oil pan to the bottom of the timing cover will not fit. Does anyone know if the bolt size in a reverse rotation timing chain cover is different than the bolt size of a standard rotation timing chain cover?

rd · Jun 6, 2010

Not sure about the size, but I believe the pan to timing cover bolts are larger dia than the rest of the pan bolts.

a87stang351W · Jun 7, 2010

Very true. The 2 bolts closest to the crank seal have a 1/2 inch bolt head and the next bolt out from the seal has a 3/8 inch bolt head. My problem is that these bolts are not threading into my new timing cover.

seedeezy · Jun 8, 2010

Both covers have the same dia threads. I think what is happening is the gasket's thickness on the timing cover is holding it out too far to start the 4 on the pan. What i do is put the 2 lowest bolts on the cover on and tighten them up nice, then start the 4 on the pan with a short socket and speed handle that will actually keep force applied to them while turning and they drive right in. Then you can untighten the lowest 2 on the cover and do everything even from there.

a87stang351W · Jun 8, 2010

I can certainly give that a try. Visually, the holes seem to be lining up correctly, and just to note, the timing cover has been installed, minus the oil pan bolts. My only worry would be stripping the holes in the timing cover.

So I guess my next question is, do I need to pull the timing cover off again and start over?

seedeezy · Jun 9, 2010

Shouldnt need to. Tighten the lowest 2 bolts on the cover to 20-25 ft lbs. It sounds like the wholes are lining up good so its unlikely you can go wrong with using just a tiny bit of help getting them started. The 2 outside on the pan should be 1/4 inch and the inside ones closest to the crank are 5/16. Translating that to head size i would just be guessing maybe 7/16 and 1/2 around the crank.

If you dont feel comfertable i dont blame you as aluminum threads tend to fall apart with the application of force. Do this since the cover doesnt have the pump on it yet or anything else. Pull off the timing cover and verify the 4 bolts you have to use on the pan thread in easily by hand. With that known, you'll build enough confindence to give them a little nudge with something that can push on the heads of those bolts as you turn them in, as long as they still line up perfectly. And they will go.

a87stang351W · Jun 10, 2010

Ok, so I came up with another plan. I went up to my local auto parts store, and had them pull the same timing cover for me. I brought my oil pan bolts, and tried them in the timing cover. At first, they didn't want to thread in, but with a little extra finger torque, they started in just fine.

I'm going to try this when I get home tonight, and let you all know how it goes.

Thanks again!

a87stang351W · Jun 11, 2010

Well, that really couldn't have been any easier. Also found that the Edelbrock timing cover is actually produced by Pioneer, Inc. as they didn't do a very good job of covering up the Pioneer label before slapping their own label on the box, so save yourself $40 by just buying the Pioneer cover.

Thanks for the help!

stykthyn · Jun 11, 2010

whats wrong with the stock timing cover?

Oil Pan to Timing Cover Bolts

a87stang351W

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stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.

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Oil Pan to Timing Cover Bolts

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I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.

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