grinder11

iTrader: (1)

Anyone tried vertically aligning the front cover on an LS motor with the pan tight? It seems it would align when it's pulled tight against the metal/rubber pan gasket.

Ryans99ls1

iTrader: (16)

Don't overthink it. Put the timing cover on loose, install the balancer, make sure the timing doesn't protrude below the block, tighten timing cover. rtv the corners where the pan mates to the cover when putting the oil pan on

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, but I think I should've stated the oil pan is still on, because the engine is in car. I have the centering tool that centers the cover without the seal in place....

Guy with a Chevy

Glad this was brought up. I knew the front cover should go on before the pan so that the cover can be leveled appropriately with the block but never considered the balancer install to center the cover before tightening. I have always just slapped them on and let the bolts do the work so I will be doing this from now on thank you!

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

Still hoping for an answer to my question. Anyone??

G Atsma

USUALLY, the cover is slid on, dampener installed, then the seal sort of centers itself around the dampener, then is tightened in place, making sure the lower surfaces align.
Having the pan in place and tightened down MIGHT keep the above centering from happening properly.
You might need to loosen the pan to allow this to happen.

Full Power

I have installed aftermarket Camshaft(s) in FOUR LS engines, have not yet removed an oil pan... not had any leaks, nor (known) misalignment,yet.... Did I just get Lucky ?

I have SINCE purchased the front and rear LS cover alignment tool set, bit have not yet made use of them.

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

What I don't understand is this; both the pan's machined surface and the timing cover's machined surface are mounted flush/parallel to each other in the same plane, and the metal in the pan gasket stops each piece in the same plane. The cover has to stop against the metal of the gasket when the lower 2 bolts from the pan are tightened/snugged. It seems to me that the only alignment needed would be side to side, unless I'm missing something here, which I may be, IDK......

Rich-L79

My front seal came with a centering tool.

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

I know the rear seal does. Haven't seen a front seal with one....

Rich-L79

Was a complete front end kit from FelPro.

cammednnbs

iTrader: (2)

That's all you have to do is install timing cover with bolts loose and press on the damper the cover gets aligned from pressing the damper on. Than tighten the timing cover and put a few dabs of high temp rtv where cover meets oil pan.

jayyyw

Some RTV in the corners of the cover/pan area, put the cover on with the bolts loose, install the balancer, then tighten the bolts and torque them. Been doing it like this for a while and haven't ever had leaks. The pan was always installed and tight/torqued as well.