Vortec plastic timing cover replacement

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(Vortec block: minor clean up)
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==Vortec block==
 
==Vortec block==
A block using a steel cover uses dowel pins (male pins in block, holes in steel cover), while the Vortec block (below) has the holes for the plastic cover's locating pins. The dowel holes in the 880 block are >15/64" and <1/4" (about right for a press-fit 1/4" dowel pin).  
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[[File:Front 880 002.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Some blocks do not have all the timing cover holes; holes that may be missing are circled]]
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A block using a steel cover uses dowel pins in the block, and has the locating holes in steel cover.  
  
This 880 Vortec block has all the holes present and tapped. This is not always the case; some blocks are missing the holes and will need to use a gasket as a template to drill and tap the missing holes. The thread size is 1/4-20, the pilot hole can be drilled with a #7 bit.
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The Vortec block (right) does not use block mounted dowels to locate the cover. Instead, it has holes for the plastic cover's locating pins. The locating holes in the 880 block are >15/64" and <1/4", which is about right for a press-fit 1/4" dowel pin. That said, it's not presently known if the hole size is correct for a press fit solid steel dowel like used on the earlier blocks. As a precaution, the hole should be carefully measured before driving in a solid dowel to avoid cracking the casting. Another alternative is to use a 0.250" OD hollow roll pin to avoid stressing the casting.  
  
[[File:Front 880 001.jpg]]
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The 880 Vortec block shown has all the holes present and tapped. This is not always the case; some blocks are missing two holes and will need to use a gasket as a template to drill and tap the missing holes. The thread size is 1/4-20 (1/4" coarse), the pilot hole can be drilled with a #7 bit.
  
 
==Gaskets and seals==
 
==Gaskets and seals==
The last thing that needs checked is the type of front oil pan-to-cover seal is needed. I would guess it would be the later, thicker seal- but I'd check it first if the older cover was going to be retrofitted to the Vortec block.
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The last thing that needs checked is the type of front oil pan-to-cover seal is needed. To check what front seal is needed, put a straight edge across the front of the pan and measure down to the lowest part of where the seal rests.
 
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*2-1/4" = thin (early 1955-'74) seal, 3/32" thick
To check what front seal is needed, put a straight edge across the front of the pan and measure down to the lowest part of where the seal rests.
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*2-3/8" = thick (later 1975-'85) seal, 9/64" thick
*2-1/4" = thin seal
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*2-3/8" = thick seal
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==Dampers==
 
==Dampers==

Revision as of 18:21, 5 March 2013

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