How to Assemble the Front of a Small Block

When installing the timing chain, I like to get the gears set before I install them and then turn the cam to line up with how the timing chain and gears are set. You should line up the mark on the cam gear to be at 6 o'clock, and the timing mark for the crankshaft at 12 o'clock. You also can put the cam mark at 12 o'clock and the crank gear at 12 o'clock, it will just be on the intake stroke instead of the compression stroke, but you can account for that when you install the distributor.


Here is a picture of the BACK of the oil slinger. It goes on the crankshaft after the crankshaft timing gear. It fits loosely (but is held in place when the vibration damper is installed). Notice that the "flare" on the outside, this goes outward toward the front of the car, away from the gear (if you put it toward the gear, the slinger will get all chewed
View attachment 1714746442

Here is a shot of the front of the oil slinger. Notice the flare coming outward. This is the side that goes away from the timing gears when installed:

View attachment 1714746443

Here's a shot of the front of the engine all put together.

View attachment 1714746444

Here's a closer shot:

View attachment 1714746445

Here are two shots from an old worn engine. This is an old 318 with the old single chain and nylon coated gear. Notice how some of the nylon plastic has chipped off of the gears and the chain is so stretched, that it literally slipped off. This is why I run only double rollers and usually upgrade to the true roller double roller chains:

View attachment 1714746446

Another shot:

View attachment 1714746447


Now you can install the timing chain cover and water pump.

Hello I'm not using the fuel pump going elect as far as the the eccentric if I don't use it do they make a washer I can buy ???