Timing cover and Oil pan questions and ideas

[xjjeepcjs]

Hey all,

This is my first post about my build. I have the motor built to the long block point, and now have small issues that I need advice for.

First, my timing cover needs to be clearance for the bolt. I have a 2000 block casting, using a 505 performance cam and cam bolt kit. Just purchased a Hesco bolt and washer kit. My question is if the hesco one does not clear is it okay to clearance the nipple on the timing cover? I have access to a mill.

Next issue I am working on is the oil pan clearance for the girdle that was spaced. We are actually cutting and TIG welding a clearance patch all the way down the pan in the middle from the front to the sump. We thoroughly checked it out and the girdle hits all the way back. If the final product works great I will post some picks. We are doing a 1/4” to 3/8” slope from front to back to ensure proper oil drainage. I wanted to know if anyone has tried this yet? I read about the hammer method and was not too sure about it… yet.

Is there anything else that will pop up from here on out? I already have the spacers for the valve cover for the roller rockers, but just not sure if I will run into more issues with fitment. I do not have an oil pump yet. Best suggestions appreciated and info on fitment. Read the Silver XJ post on that but didn't see a brand, or missed it.

[SilverXJ]

My question is if the hesco one does not clear is it okay to clearance the nipple on the timing cover? I have access to a mill.

Which part isn't clearing and how do you have it assembled?

We thoroughly checked it out and the girdle hits all the way back. If the final product works great I will post some picks. We are doing a 1/4” to 3/8” slope from front to back to ensure proper oil drainage. I wanted to know if anyone has tried this yet? I read about the hammer method and was not too sure about it… yet.

I believe one person may have tried it. I vaguely remember seeing a channel for the girdle. Watch out for warpage though. One person also torched the pan and slowly tightened the bolts down so the girdle would have left an impression in the pan. Personally I just beat the piss out of mine. I think there was a minor change in the oil pans at one point because you don't hear of too many problems with clearance issues.

I do not have an oil pump yet. Best suggestions appreciated and info on fitment. Read the Silver XJ post on that but didn't see a brand, or missed it.

I'm am assuming its the post on oil pump checks. If so, IIRC, they were mostly Melling pumps.

[xjjeepcjs]

Silver,

On the timing cover it is the little nipple that protrudes from the back side the is contacting the bolt with out the spring and pin in it. I just read another post on how to check the clearance and I might give that a shot.

Oil pan is done and looks good. testing it later today for leaks and fitment. I thought of trying to find another oil pan, but was not sure if different years had different specs

I figured that Melling was the way to go... just wanted to see if a different brand popped up in opinions from others.


How is you motor doing? I am excited to get this thing running. have two weeks before I can actually schedule free time to install.

[SilverXJ]

Its odd that the bolt is hitting. It really shouldn't as that is a stock setup with the dimple cover. Do you have a pic? Are you sure the cam gear is fully seated against the block?

My engine is doing well. Haven't touched it in a while aside from cleaning the engine bay and experimenting with radiator caps. Its odd not doing engine work that often.

[xjjeepcjs]

Silver,

Thought about it drifting out today. Came home and lightly tapped the cam back with a mallet. Sure enough it had some room to move. With a gasket it would not touch, but this particular bolt still is missing the pin and spring so I have to wait til new one shows up.

Oil pan is done but I have not been able to pick it up. My guy says it is not pretty, but know his perfectionist ways I am sure it is just needing a good cleaning of the welds. I hope...

Thanks for the advice and info.

[SilverXJ]

Verify that the cam just simply moved forward and not that the cam plug at the rear was in too far or the wrong one and holding the camshaft out.

[xjjeepcjs]

Verify that the cam just simply moved forward and not that the cam plug at the rear was in too far or the wrong one and holding the camshaft out.

Cam was able to go back a fraction. Cam is sitting in perfect position. Just got the Mopar bolt kit in and it is the bolt that cam with the cam that is the issue. The Mopar bolt has a recessed area where the cam pin is that allows the timing cover nipple to recess slightly into the bolt without touching anything but the pin. This also gives maximum spring tension against the timing cover to keep that cam in position. Not to be rude again... but 505 is not my favorite company right now. They should just sell factory molar cam bolts with the kits.

So the timing cover issue is no longer an issue. The correct bolt kit did the job without modifications.

[SilverXJ]

505's incompetence is astounding... even managed to screw up a single bolt.