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draining timing cover on308
  • DavidCDavidC
    Posts: 95Senior Contributor
    I am just about to begin reassembly of my motor. I asked the machine shop to put an extra drain hole in the front main cap across from original, but instead he put it very low in the cap. Question: Does chain lube depend in part on a certain depth puddle in the timing cover, or is overly efficient draining of timing cover ok?
    By the way I will keep my promise of taking notes and posting pics of the build for posterity.
    Dave
  • Ol racerOl racer
    Posts: 1,676Platinum Member
    FYI
    The chain gets oiled down the short 'troth'. The extra hole in front cap is to help drain excess oil that can 'overcome' modern timing cover seal causing a leak.
    I dont think was a problem back with the original type thicker seals. The best seal to use today is National. (Dont have number tonite). Be sure turn around the Damper spacer so smoothest surface rides in the seal.
  • DavidCDavidC
    Posts: 95Senior Contributor
    Thanks, but to clarify, is there any value to accumulating some oil in the timing cover?
  • Geoff C., N.Z.Geoff C., N.Z.
    Posts: 2,267Platinum Member
    DavidC wrote:
    Thanks, but to clarify, is there any value to accumulating some oil in the timing cover?
    No benefit at all. The chain is adequately lubricated, and if you are to retain oil in the cover it will only load the seal.
    If you're stuck in a hole, stop digging.
  • DavidCDavidC
    Posts: 95Senior Contributor
    That's what I figured but needed to hear from someone else. Thx Geoff! Between the trough and a 1/16 hole in the oil galley plug I should be ok for lubing chain
  • walts garage-53
    Posts: 1,470Platinum Member
    Don't drill a hole in the oil gallery plug, chain gets plenty of oil front the front cam bearing. You will lose oil pressure when engine gets hot. You want to see how much oil chain gets, remove the front valve cover, set engine at 1500 RPM's and watch the hole in the front of the block that goes to the timing chain, oil comes through that hole like an open facet. The front cam bearing is set up to supply oil to the chain. That is the reason to drill another hole in the front main to help move oil out of the valve cover faster. Block that hole you drilled in the plug. Walt.
  • DavidCDavidC
    Posts: 95Senior Contributor
    I never drilled the hole in the pipe plug, and now that I see it is hidden behind my engine mounting plate, and hearing from all of you, I won't.
    Dave