solved -- help installing timing cover

I've watched several videos and have everything ready ... practicing the install before putting the seal packing and buttoning it up.

BUT ... I can't seem to get the timing cover to line up with the crankshaft timing gear. Any tips? I rotate the oil pump drive so the slot is right in line ... I even have a little camera and it looks lined up.

Should it just slide in? Do I need to tap it with some force once I think I have it lined up?

 

You might have to install the crank bolt and use the bolt to "fine tune" the fitment.
Since you can't turn the oil pump with the cover on, you have to turn the crank.


You should not have beat it on. It should slide on.

 

4.0? Gear has to be lined and also centered. I think the latter part is your problem. No force needed. You will get it. Once you do so, you will just need to do it again and also not knock off the oil seal on the bottom of the cover.

 

thanks -- got -- yes the 4.0. I was trying to line the oil pump notch with the crankshaft key -- but realized that was 90* off --- doh. so went right in after that. unfortunately, I got everything back together (HG job) and the coolant bypass is leaking the back of the engine. my worst nightmare comes true so trying to figure out a way to deal with that without taking this damn thing apart again

 

Good to hear about the timing cover. Sucks to hear about the leak though. Maybe you forgot to tighten one of the bolts? I hope you didn’t roll that seal on the water pipe itself.