How to Assemble the Front of a Small Block

Another helpful hint when installing the timing cover. The covers on the small blocks don't have locating pins to center the cover. To assure a good seal around the crank, install the cover and a bolt on each side to loosely hold it in place. Install the balancer properly on the crank key and push it by hand till it stops. Then wiggle the timing cover around on the loose bolts until the seal feels centered on the balancer then snug up the bolts to keep it in place. I did this with a dry gasket first to get the feel of it then I put the gasket sealer on and did it for real. Follow up with the rest of the bolts and torque in place. tmm