Please tell me I don't need an oil slinger

[iwantacobra427]

for a 1979 302 block stroked to 331 with a double row timing chain. The engine started as a short block and is now in long block form. If I don't install a slinger will I have a lot of oil leaking out from around the crankshaft/timing cover seal? Thanks.

[Rick Parker]

No,they are not used on the later 302's. I believe their intent was to assist in the lubrication of the fuel pump eccentric in earlier engines.

[DaveR]

Do a search. When I assembled my own 408W in 2004 there were numerous threads about front seal problems. The consensus was that concentricity was crtical, which is logical. I was fortunate enough to have access to a lathe, and made a metal ring with the ID .001 greater than the crank OD, and ring OD .001 smaller than timing cover counter bore. This tool held cover in place until bolted and sealed, then with threaded holes in ring, inserted two bolts and pulled it out. Home made tool worked like a charm. Front seal is dry as a bone. My problem is the rear two-piece seal, can't get it to stop leaking. Good luck.

[Rick Parker]

The laymens way to align the early front cover (seal installed from back side) is to install the seal in the cover install gasket on the cover and install cover without tightening any bolts to tightly. Install the balancer just enough to have it pass through the seal, then allow the rigidity of the seal itself to help locate the where the cover is to be bolted down.