How to Assemble the Front of a Small Block

RustyRatRod said
Very nice, Karl. One thing I noticed you forgot to mention. There is a thick felt washer that goes on the harmonic balancer that helps keep dust and dirt away from the front crank seal area. Kinda a "seal seal" if you will. I have found that on nearly all small blocks that were original that I tore down....there even one on my 331 Hemi when I tore it down, and I replaced it with a new one.

Yes, I've seen that.

It is not shown here for two reasons.

1. I didn't install the timing chain and water pump. I believe that you put that on the damper after the timing chain cover goes in.

2. I just threw this information together "at the last minute" for the guy who is asking me questions. I just grabbed some old parts and some old shots to put together. The purpose of this thread was to show how the parts all fit together under the timing chain cover. I hope to document my next small block build in the future for a full blown How-To thread for a basic rebuild.

There is another option also with the timing chain tensioner. I have not used one, as I have worked on the older 60's and 70's vintage engines. I've heard that some double roller chains are not "compatible" with them. I have seen you posting that the Cloyes double roller chain will work with the Cloyes tensioner. I usually run the Edelbrock true roller double roller chain available from Mancini Racing for $62.

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/edelbrock4.html

I have not assembled the timing chain tensioner, but if someone wants to post up how to do it with some pictures, that would be great.