Re: Ticking Noise in 1953 327 eight

Posted by Eric Boyle On 2010/11/11 15:21:56

The problem with the straight eights is that the hole in the timing cover isn't large enough to put a seal in as well as put the balancer in. The solution obviously would be to weld a sort of "cup" on the inside of the timing cover that will hold the seal, ala` Packard V8 style. Getting everything properly centered and then welded is difficult to say the least. The other option is to enlarge the existing hole to allow a flanged seal to be installed on the outside of the timing cover, ala` 3.8L Ford V6 and several other engines. I prefer this method, with a large reinforcing "washer" welded on the inside of the timing cover to ensure stiffness. I like this idea the best, as you don't have to pull the timing cover to replace the seal. This is what I plan on doing on my engines, to allow for a more positive seal and an easier to find seal at that. The original idea of a cork seal rotating with the crankshaft and constantly pushing against the inside of the timing cover has got to be the poorest design for a timing cover seal I've ever seen. There HAS to be a better way.