Hello everyone, this is my first post so go easy on me.

I'm looking to replace my timing chain cover since I'm replacing my water pump, damper, and pulleys. I'm reluctant to go with a scott drake and was thinking of using a Ford Racing cover (part# M-6059-D351). I've been looking around and some reviews state that they had to do some grinding to get a correct fit so I'm wondering if anyone has installed one of these on a 289 or have a suggestion for an alternative.

Also any tips for the install would also be much appreciated!

 

Why do you want to replace it?

 

From what I've heard make sure to install your harmonic balancer to help center the seal on the crankshaft as it'll leak if you don't.
That would explain why my old sbf always leaked out that seal...

 

^this^

 

Unless your old cover is extremely pitted around the water passages, it's not one of the things that would normally be replaced.

When installing the cover (be it new or original), use some Permatex #2 on the threads of the bolts that screw into the water jacket to prevent them from leaking. A small amount of Ultra Black on both sides of the gasket around the water ports will prevent leaks there.

Also, do as 68SCode4speed mentioned and pop the balancer on before tightening everything down to make sure the cover is properly centered on the balancer.

 

what is wrong with the drake covers?

if your damper has a groove on the part where the seal rides, it may leak oil . . you can buy a thin stainless sleeve that presses over the damper to prevent that.

if your engine is original, replace the timing chain like yesterday . . other wise check the chain for play and replace if very loose.
.

 

Good call. I just finished re-doing the front of my engine, including a new chain set, water pump, harmonic damper/balancer, front seal, and gaskets all around. Might as well do it all at once.

Those repair sleeves are supplied in some timing cover gasket kits. But a whole new timing cover should come with gaskets, in which case the sleeve would indeed have to be bought separately.

 

Thanks 68scode, I forgot these old engines don't have dowels to line up the cover.

gjz and fastback, I'm looking to replace the timing chain cover because the PO installed a cover from a falcon and it is looking pretty beat up around the edges. Also, I figured since I'm tearing it down this far I might as well replace it.

barnett, I'd like to avoid using a drake cover because I spotted some reviews that mentioned the cover had broken during installation. Not sure how that might happen beside poor build quality.

 

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cloyes true roller p/n 9-1135 is a decent set but there are cheaper ones that are decent for stock apps.