Front timing cover alignment tool and source for new spacer

[c9zx]

I'm looking for source for the correct timing cover alignment tool and a new damper spacer that is dimensionally correct. Any advice ill be appreciated. Thanks, Chuck (S)

[Dr Mabuse]

I got mine by entering the Ford tool number, T61P-6019-B (cylinder front cover pilot) in an Ebay search, and waiting for a response.

[Dr Mabuse]

DSC shows the "sleeves" available for $20:
re:
https://www.dscmotorsport.com/Crankshafts/index.htm

[1964Fastback]

Wow, never knew there was a tool for that.  Thought the only tool was for installing the seal, not centering the cover on the shaft.  Great to learn!

Pat

[bluef100fe]

I made a batch of new Steel dampener spacers a few years ago for Blair Patrick. Not sure if he has any left. Maybe contact him and see if that’s an option. I did change the step in the middle of the O.D. to a short taper to make the part more aesthetically pleasing, but the rest of the spacer is dimensionally the same as an original.

[galaxiex]

ebay member J427 was selling new billet steel FE crank spacers.
I bought one some time ago, nice piece.
Unfortunately I don't see any in his latest listings.

Summit has some...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/inw-1079

[cjshaker]

Once you find your spacer, there's no need for the 'tool'. Just use the spacer itself.

[blykins]

What's nice about the tool is that it locates in the seal bore and centers on the crank.  The timing cover doesn't have opportunity to dip down under its own weight while you're tightening the bolts down.  It will also open your eyes to the fact that the oil pan mating surface on the timing cover isn't always going to be perfectly flush with the block's oil pan mating surface. 

I have a nice polymer tool that is SBF on one side and FE on the other.  Can't remember where I got it though. 

Steel balancer spacers are available pretty much anywhere.  On some of them, be prepared to run a dingleberry hone through them to take off any sharp edges.  Sometimes they don't want to slide on the snout. 

[c9zx]

My thanks for all the input from everyone. I have found sources for the spacer/sleeve. However the OA length seems to be in question. One states 3.400, another 3.322, and the OEM one I have is 3.334. Were they all the same length or vary from application to application?
The OEM piece needs a sleeve and seal and I've had mixed results using them in the past. Thanks, Chuck (S)

[Barry_R]

The "seal saver" sleeves are not particularly good.
Some of them are not deep enough, and end right where the seal rides.
We have had to machine the spacer a touch to allow the repair sleeve to slide back further.
Much better off with a new spacer.

And yeah - the timing cover does not always sit flush with the pan rail.  It "should", but...

[c9zx]

Barry, I do want a new sleeve. The questions are, what is the correct OA length and is an aluminum sleeve acceptable. Chuck

[cjshaker]

What's nice about the tool is that it locates in the seal bore and centers on the crank.  The timing cover doesn't have opportunity to dip down under its own weight while you're tightening the bolts down.  It will also open your eyes to the fact that the oil pan mating surface on the timing cover isn't always going to be perfectly flush with the block's oil pan mating surface. 

For a guy who builds FE engines all the time, the tool may make sense.
Except for the cast iron covers, I've never seen a cover that was so heavy as to distort the seal. They're pretty stiff. And if you're adjusting the cover to be flush with the pan rail, then you really shouldn't be messing with engines in the first place. You would have to physically force the cover down to be flush. Common sense goes a long way.

[Rory428]

I have always just used the factory crank sleeve/spacer to center the timing cover to the block, and I have never had to pull down the timing cover against the seal to make it flush with the pan rails of the block, just rotate the cover a bit to ensure both sides match up. I suppose if a block had been align bored a bunch, that could be an issue, but I have never had that situation.