Timing Cover Thoughts

In the middle of the rebuild of my 72 304 I discovered that the water pump impeller has at some point badly scored the timing cover. I has seen a lot of chatter about replacements and the tolerance issues that many have. Anyone have thoughts or experience good or bad with the the available replacements?

 

Regardless what you do, you need to measure and adjust the oil pump gear clearance at assembly. It's in the TSM.

As long as there's no hole (or it's extremely thin) I would use the old cover. The replacement covers can be ok, but as a group, the OEM covers are machined better and of higher quality.

Measure. Lap the cover as needed to set clearance. End clearance is critical.

 

Tim, Is the measurement you are referring to the oil pump tolerances?

 

Yes. You can adjust the clearances when you assemble. The end clearance is most critical.

IIRC BullTear sells gaskets of different thicknesses that will do some of the work for you. The usual approach is to use a piece of plate glass and either wet/dry sandpaper or lapping compound to adjust the end clearance. Check either Ristow's or SC/397's posts on IFSJA.org for step-by-step.

A '72 also has a special water pump.

 

Thanks for the info Tim. I looked at the write up and at first the light bulb wasn't on. I see it now and I looked at my pump and the gears have put the score marks on the end plate. Looks like I have some work to do in that area. I do have the pump parts for the rebuild on order should be here next week along with the rest of the engine rebuild stuff. Now if the machine shop can get their work finished I can get to putting the jigsaw puzzle back together so I can drive this yet this summer