Dauntless Odd Fire V-6 Timing Chain Cover Bolt Pattern Question

Hi everyone,

I'm currently building a Dauntless odd fire V-6 engine. I started the project with two core engines, both of which had been stored in the basement of a barn for 20+ years without running. My plan was to use the better parts of each engine to build one good engine. One engine is a complete real Dauntless engine from a late 60's Jeep and the other was a long block only from a mid 60's Buick. After disassembling, cleaning and inspecting the parts from both engines, I decided to use the Buick block, as it was in better condition. All the parts went to the machine shop for work and I recently got them back and have started working on the final cleaning and painting before I start reassembly. While temporarily attaching the timing chain cover to the engine block, I discovered that the Buick block was missing two threaded holes that the Dauntless block had. These two holes are just to the outside edge of the water passageways. In other words, the two bolt bosses in the cover have no threaded receptacles in the block. I've attached two photos. One of the front of the block with the missing hole locations marked with green magic marker and the other photo of two timing chain cover gaskets, one with the the bolt lugs and the other without. I only have one cover, and it obviously has the two bolt bosses. My question is: Should I drill and tap the missing holes in the block, or could I just install my cover and leave these two bolt bosses unused? Would not using these two bolts make the chances of leakage more likely, or were they just over kill at the time the cover was designed? Any and all advice is appreciated.





Thanks,

 

Use it as is. No drilling of extra holes, it won't leak and you can use either gasket.

 

Thanks Walt. Sorry for the delayed reply, but I'm on the road (as usual) and been out of internet access. I wasn't looking forward to the drilling/tapping idea especially for the upper left hand one. I was concerned that there wasn't enough "meat" in that location to safely drill and tap it, especially with a hand drill. I'll build on leaving these two holes empty. Every project has to have a few left over bolts anyways, right?

Thanks again,