Recent content by LostAtTDC

Once rolled in, do the front seals sit flush? Mine seem to stick out about .200" after rolling them in, with the crank in the block, and the front cover installed. Also why not soak the white front seals? I was told by BestGasket the white seals are made like the original and the original shop...

The rear GraphTite seal sticks up around .100" on both sides and the front white rope seal seems to stick out .200" on both sides. I soaked the front for about 2 hours in oil and used a socket to squish it into the cover, but it seemed to want to bounce back.

Do you know where I might find the advance curve chart? With that I can throw the distributor into my distributor machine and verify it. I did a quick check using an indicator on both the heads and the piston in the block and it measures out around .050" quench when compensated for the gasket...

I have the Best Gasket GraphTite rear main seal and the standard white front rope seal. I installed the rear seal and trimmed it according to the instructions. However, when I installed the crankshaft, the seal compressed and protruded beyond the block and cap surfaces. Should I trim it once...

The distributor is specifically for the 49-53 Ford Flathead V-8 Engine and has a billet housing with the machined flange. I understand that the block has been relieved; however, I am uncertain whether the previous builder milled the heads. I will verify this during my next visit to the shop.

I apologize for the delay in responding; normally, I only work at my shop on Sundays. The measurements from the distributor mounting surface to the deck are shown below; the measurement is slanted, thus it measures on the lower side .563 inches, with a measurement of .643 inches on the upper...

The engine has the “A” type cover. I was only using the picture to illustrate the gear engagement I was asking about. I think the best way to verify it would be to cut a cover and check the engagement directly. However, since I don’t have a spare and obviously don’t want to destroy a good...

I’m working on an 8BA and have a question regarding the proper positioning and engagement of the distributor gear with the camshaft. Is there a specific measurement, specification, or procedure for setting the distributor gear correctly? I’m running an aftermarket Mallory distributor and...

It came in a Best Gasket Engine Rebuilding Set. The Timing Cover Set alone is part number GS8086.

Thank you, that helps. I just wanted to be sure before making a custom gasket. Yes, I fixed the issue. I removed the camshaft and cleaned up the front faces of the center and rear journals in the lathe. There was quite a bit of rough casting, and the fillet radius between the journal face and...

How much will ignition timing be affected if the camshaft end play is about .004" greater than the minimum spec? The engine is being built as a weekend cruiser, so I'm trying to determine whether it's worth spending additional time chasing a few thousandths of clearance for what may be minimal...

I'm working on an 8BA with an Isky Max 1 camshaft and had a question about camshaft end play. With a .015" timing cover gasket installed, I'm measuring approximately .010" cam end play. Should I be trying to reduce that closer to the minimum specification? What issues can occur if the camshaft...

Not sure on the weight, but Driven and Lucas Hot Rod oils are great for infrequently driven cars because of their rust and corrosion inhibitors. They are a bit expensive, though.

Re: 52 8BA – Cam Walking Forward & Exhaust Lifter Contacting Center Journal Good to know the cam runs forward, I'll work to keep the clearances on the low side. Thank you!

Re: 52 8BA – Cam Walking Forward & Exhaust Lifter Contacting Center Journal I think it was around 0.015". How do you typically make adjustments? Do you use a thinner gasket material, or do you modify the components themselves? I don't have the stock cam, but I've found that, as you...