I'll be putting the cam and heads in this weekend, I have a quick question..

Toph told me I should get a tool for centering the timing chain cover, or it will leak.. any idea where I can get this tool, or can I fabricate something?

Also, I'm planning on putting the heads back on while the engine is still sitting on the stand, and waiting to put the pulley on till the engine is back in the car. does this seem like the way to go????

 

I've never used the centering tool on my timing chain cover, no leaks so far. With the engine out of the car you should be able to eye it close enough to know if it is on straight.

Install the heads and the pulley on the block before installing it. Its easier that way. Leave the valvecovers off for a bit more clearance under the cowl. Leave the intake off too.

Tony

 

cool, i'll give it a shot..

how bad do you think the gas is in my FULL tank? the car hasn't run since November... <img src="gr_sad.gif" border="0">

 

Check with chasgiv3@interaccess.com he has that tool that Toph mentioned.

 

I would get rid of the gas and put it in your beater <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
I wouldnt run with over a year old gas in the tank.
Good Luck,
Chris

 

This past november, or november '00?

If its just a couple months, no big deal. Over a year though, I might have to pull the siphon out haha.

Tony

 

Yes, couple of months... it SEEMS like longer, though... <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Maybe I'll throw some Xylene in there to get the octane back up to snuff...

Heads are done, Toms got my headers waiting for me to pick them up...

starting to get excited again..... <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> <img src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" />

[ January 03, 2002: Message edited by: Kilroy's 99 TA ]</p>

 

Basically what the timing chain cover centering tool does is replace the crankshaft snout/pulley seal onto the pulley as it was before you took it off. Thats the only piece that is particularly sensitive to placement. When you get a new seal, and replace it each time you remove the cover, we have never had leakage from the front of the engine. If you look at a new seal vs. a used one, the pulley, over time, widens the hole in the seal to fit itself. This is cool, as long as you dont move it. With a new seal, it will just widen the seal to its own new position. Works for those of us like myself and jmX, who have done WAY too many cam swaps (mostly on the same few cars <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> )

chris