What are the Pros and Cons of drilling and tapping the 2 bottom holes into the engine block for timing gear cover so removal and re-installation can be done without dropping the oil pan? Thanks in advance . Jerry
Do it, do it, do it!!! Dead simple and it could save you a bunch of trouble later. When I rebuilt my 235, I used one of those cheap-o Chinese chrome timing covers. The thing wouldn't seal, so I had to replace it. I was really glad I had drilled and tapped those holes!
Are you talking about the two holes that have the bolts installed under the pan and go forward into the timing cover? If so I have a leaking problem here and although it's to late to drill and tap the holes does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop the leakage. I am considering dropping the pan and just coating the bolts with gaske sealer or something to stop the seapage. I had this enging redone at a so called good engine rebuilder and I have had to repair several items since I got it installed and running.
You best determine where the oil seepage is coming from before just assuming its thru the two lower bolts. Several things come to mind. Did you install a harmonic balancer repair sleeve? If not there is a good chance that the timing gear cover seal is the culprit or the timing gear cover gasket or the side cover or even the tappet cover leaking. Most of these possible leaks can be cured without removing the pan. Jerry
Woe is me Yea, I monitored the leak for about two weeks to make sure it was coming from those lower bolts. I tightened all the timing gear bolts and cleaned it all with spray brake cleaner so it would evaporate and then checked it every couple of hours to make sure. Never a simple fix for me but thanks for all the suggestions on where to look just incase I missed something.
