With all of the recent issues with timing covers being discussed here it's been making me think about my own situation. I'm still waiting on $$ to buy the TA parts to install and degree my camshaft, among other things. I have 3 timing covers I can use when reassembling my engine (without buying another TC). Note that I will be breaking in a flat tappet camshaft with one of these options, so having a functioning oil pump is imperative! Option 1: Use existing TC with existing internals. TC has one stripped out thread for water pump mounting, but luckily can be remedied with a through bolt. Saw the engine run on a stand and make some amount of oil pressure, but wasn't with "hot" highway oil. Don't remember the number sadly. No valvetrain noise when it ran IIRC. Option 2: Use Existing timing cover but add new gears/booster plate/regulator. Will add $80 to cost, but I'm more worried about improper user setup! Option 3: Use SP 350 (old engine) timing cover which already has new gears/booster plate/regulator. Has a crack in the aluminum near the top, but was working fine last time Skylark was running. Was done by me using TA standard gears/shims/regulator and a feeler gauge. Option 4- Use the extra timing cover off of a parts engine. Condition unknown, could also try rebuilding it. What do you all think? I know there are mods one can do to the TC to improve oiling, but it's be great if I could use something I have without doing mods.
Option 2 or 4 if the gears protrude put from the housing. If they're flush or deeper than .002 the cover is junk. Measure across the face of the gears and put a feeler gauge under them on the gasket surface on both sides. Should be .002-.003 factory spec.
1st thing to check on all your covers you have is the slop in the drive gear shaft hole. There should be none, or you have to decide if finding someone to sleeve it is worth the trouble. Underdog350 (Steve) can steer you in the right direction, as he is reconditioning stock covers now. PM him.
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm leaning towards option 2 or 4 as well but as stated I'll have to take some measurements on both covers. I saw Steve's thread, so I will get a cover from him if both mine are bad. At least if money is super tight I can go with option 1 since I know that cover functions and makes good pressure. Maybe the crack is not as bad as I remember, I will try and take a picture to post it.
