A timing chain cover protects the timing chain connecting an engine's crankshaft to its camshaft. For small-block Chevrolet engines, it is located at the base of the radiator fan shaft. It is important to note that you will have to know how to replace a timing chain cover if you are going to rebuild an engine or exchange camshafts. This fairly simple looking project can become challenging without following the proper steps.
Insert a crankshaft seal into the opening of the timing chain cover and tap it into place. Apply a thin layer of gasket glue to the machined engine seat for the timing chain cover on the front face of the engine. Place a timing chain cover gasket onto the gasket glue and align the holes of the gasket with the bolt holes of the engine. Apply gasket glue on top of the gasket then place the timing chain cover onto the gasket.
Push the end of the radiator fan shaft through the hole in the timing chain cover and slide the timing chain cover over the timing chain connecting the camshaft gear to the crankshaft gear at the front of the engine. Make sure to align the bolt holes of the cover with the bolt holes of the engine. Move quickly to set the timing chain cover in place and begin inserting bolts at far points, at the top right, the top left and the bottom center, to keep the cover in place.
Insert and tighten all timing chain cover bolts. Insert a front main seal into the lip of the timing chain cover where it will meet the oil pan. Use gasket glue to secure an oil pan gasket in place. Place the oil pan onto its gasket. Make sure there is a good seal where the timing chain cover and oil pan meet.
Tighten all the bolts of the oil pan and the timing chain cover. Inspect the seams of both engine covers and continue to assemble the engine or finish the repair by filling the engine with oil to test the seals.
