COVER ALIGNMENT
On many engines with timing covers that are located by dowel pins, there can me misalignment problems that may result in a leak. To eliminate this is, I drill the dowel pin locator holes in the cover one or two sizes oversize. Then I set it up in place with the gasket, sealer, etc, and install a slip fit harmonic balancer to center it up. Finally, simply torque it up as usual. I’ve seen many aftermarket covers that are not even close, especially the cheaper ones. Line bore repaired blocks are another example where misalignment can occur. I simply hone a discarded balancer or even cut them up to make a crank turning and centering tool, all in one.
Ron Flood
Cedar Machine
North Branch, MN
December, 2020
