Changing timing cover question.

[Myke]

I need to switch my timing cover from a 2 bolt style to a 3 bolt style.

Is there any problem with pulling a timing cover off a 59a flathead without removing the oil pan? I have the rubber style front crank seal and the engine has about 8000 miles on it.

I am pretty sure I can, but I wanted check.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Ordinarily, no, but is the seal you have the one piece 360 type?? If it is, is it glued into the cavities with lots of silicon goo?

 

[Myke]

Ordinarily, no, but is the seal you have the one piece 360 type?? If it is, is it glued into the cavities with lots of silicon goo?

360 type with silicon, but not the glue type if that makes sense.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Then it depends on whether you can work the cover off of it without bending the seal shell or ripping it loose from pan.

 

[flatjack9]

It's a little hard getting it off with the water pumps on. If you remove the one bolt closest to the cover, you should be able to get it off without bending the seal.

 

[oldford2]

If you are using the newer one piece seal you will have to drop the pan an inch or so, remove the crank pulley. water pumps don't interfere. Just curious why you are going back to a 3 bolt cover (helmet dizzy). John

 

[flatjack9]

I've done it the way I posted without dropping the pan. It can be done. And ther is no reason to remove the front pulley.

 

[oldford2]

Flat jack9,
Maybe we are talking 2 different front seals. The newer one piece donut has to be slid on the crank. The pulley has to be removed and the pan dropped an inch or two. What kind of a seal are describing that the front pulley does not have to be removed?Thanks. John

O K
Now I get it. He wants to use the old seal. Why not put a new one on???

 

[flatjack9]

With only 8000 miles on the engine, there should be no need for a new one. Also means not having to mess with the pan.