Hello, can anyone tell me how I can properly line up an early timing cover so that it is aligned correct with the crankshaft snout. I am concerned that the slight slop in the cover holes could make it possible to get a seal leak,my shop service manual says to use aligning tool J-22102? Obviously the dowel pins were added later for a reason. Thanks Bill :confused:

Bill,

I had the same problem with my 66 block a while back. My fix was to loosely install the front cover onto the block, and while installing the balancer onto the crank, hold the front cover so the balancer can slide through the front seal. Once the balancer is completely installed, center the front cover seal on the balancer, and then bolt it down. I have had this motor in the car for over 10 years, and other than a oil pan gasket leak, the front cover seal is still dry.

Jeff

70 Elco 402, going to be fuel injected (someday soon)
86 Mustang 5.0 with 3.73 gears (what fun to drive!)

What Jeff said. let the cover center itself off the damper, bolt it down. I've done several like this with no problems.

Jeff,
Thanks so much for the tip!

Bill

67 138 car someday to be Bolero Red instead of Primer