foxsl

iTrader: (1)

Technical installation Pdfs stress the need to use an alignment tool for timing cover installations as well as for the oil pan. When I installed my h3 oil pan and followed the recommended dabs of silicone at the specific spots, I had absolutely no leaks and didn't use an alignment tool, just torqued to spec.

I'm soon doing a cam swap and will obviously have to remove the timing cover and am curious if the alignment tool is 100% necessary upon reinstall. I will however install my oil pump with the recommended shims but am wondering about these alignment doodads.

Thanks

3.8TransAM

Slow and steady will do it as well.

However, if you have the ones like the dude sells here on every forum in every thread, they do make your life easy.

Pop them in pop it on, straight edge it to the block rails and done.

I got them a while ago, used them a couple times and I prefer them now, should be seeing a lot more use next year.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I use a steel six inch rule that has fine graduations. Center the seal to the shaft using the two lower bolts to make adjustments then snug a couple on the front of the block to hold it in place. I just make sure the distance from the seal cutout to the crank snout is exactly the same at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions.

foxsl

iTrader: (1)

I'll look into them if they're not too badly priced and I like that method too, thanks.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

if you are just removing the front cover only then just install the cover back on loosely, don't torque yet.

Install the balancer and center the cover side to side so the seal is equal distance against the hub of the balancer and then torque the cover down.

The tools are great for repeatability and speed.. Something shops need to keep labor down, and less likely for any call backs on the work done..

foxsl

iTrader: (1)

Those are pretty clever methods however I didn't realize how cheap the installation tools are. One that I quickly noticed is $25 or so, not really a big deal when spending thousands on our cars.

Russ K

iTrader: (1)

Before removing the TC cover, I scribe an alignment mark on the cover & front edge of the oil pan. Then when replacing the cover, just start the cover bolts, then tighten the oil pan bolts. Next tighten the top 2 cover bolts, then loosen the oil pan bolts. Now tighten all of the cover bolts, and tighten the oil pan bolts last.

Russ Kemp

jrpimp00

iTrader: (17)

I have never used a tool and have never had a leak from it.

neq0323

iTrader: (1)

not trying to sound stupid but i'm in the same position as "OP". would the front cover bolts lining up in the blocks threads not center the cover on by itself?

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Yes but there's still play in the bolt holes, the alignment is crucial so the front cover seal is not squished on one side of the balancer..

foxsl

iTrader: (1)

I keep wanting to like all these comments but then remember this isn't facebook haha. Thanks again as this site is always helpful and a necessity.

gagliano7

This is how i do it and i never had a leak. I am sure the tool makes
things easier but using the balancer works fine.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Keep in mind, the "tool" is not machined to be used w/ a seal in place. I don't like to put the seal in, after the cover is on. So, I machined the "spare' end of the tool, to replicate the balancer snout OD. WALA!

joecar

That's an excellent idea!