IS THIS USABLE

[BPTTONE420012]

is this timing cover usable or is it just to keep dirt out?

 

[tc1959]

What timing cover

 

[BPTTONE420012]

lol... this one

 

[565bbchevy]

It looks like a conversion timing cover.
http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/24xSBC.aspx

 

[BPTTONE420012]

i was wondering if its just a dust cover or a usable timing cover...

 

[jrm81bu]

It's a factory cover on the vortec engines. One time use. Replace with a new one if you ever take it off.

 

[BPTTONE420012]

THANKS GUYS... i honestly thought it was a dust cover, lol... but then i noticed it had a timing tab built into it so it made me think "huh, maybe this plastic pos is a real cover"... i have a chrome cover to match everything else under the hood, but we used gasket sealer, and its on the oil pan gasket as well and im lazy and dont want to have to drop the pan again and destroy another set of gaskets just to change the timing cover... besides, i just want my engine in and running already...

 

[BPTTONE420012]

a little side note, this is what made me decide to swap motors... gonna replace the bearing and drop this into my malibu... finally get rid of the 3.8...

 

[darbysan]

IF you are going to change that timing cover, do it now before you install the engine. So much easier.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

That is a Vortec plastic timing cover with a non removeable front seal and is considered a one time use piece. Usually when you take that type of timing cover off it is best to replace it since the seals can get cut when pulling the damper off. At any rate why take chances with a possible bad or worn seal? New vortec plastic timing covers are $20 and GM sells ones with sensor plugs if you don't plan to use a crank sensor. BTW, Vortecs use shorter dampers to make room for the reluctor wheel on the crankshaft.