i just have a couple questions about installing a front cover and harmonic damper on a 1990 302. first of all, is it okay if i just use rtv silicone instead of a regular gasket for the front cover? and next, how would i install the samper after i get the front cover on? i know i need that special tool, but is it basically just a pressed on part? thanks.

 

Technically you can just use sealant instead of a gasket, but I would really recommend not doing that. IMO and my own experience it's more prone to developing a leak if you use only sealant. A timing cover gasket isn't exactly expensive, so for peace of mind, just spend the few bucks and get one. About the dampener, you use the same tool to put it on as you do to take it off. Yes it's pressed on, and not hard at all to remove and install.

 

You can often get a loaner tool from AutoZone to remove and reinstall the harmonic dampner. Whatever you do, don't beat it on or off with a hammer or you will damage it and then it will damage your crankshaft.

 

cool, thanks guys. the damper would only go one one way right? another simple question, its about the oil pump driveshaft, where exactly does that go when i bolt up the pump itself? i know the questions are stupid, but i don't want to mess anything up. thanks again.

 

bolt the pump to the block with the shaft init it will fall out but when you rool the motor over youcan make sure the shaft is in the correct position, dont for get evry time you roll teh motor over its going to fall out of the pump.

 

?

 

?---that was my reaction to 619socalstang's reply too, vfast.

But I think he's talking as if the motor is on a motor stand, and when you roll the motor over to work on the bottom, the pump shaft will fall out.
That's the only way it makes sense to me, anyhow

 

yaeh i talkin about a engine on a engine stand. i never done this in the car, You pretty smart nhdu.