Atlas crankcase - unknown screws

Hey guys, I just discovered screws after removing the primary case of my Atlas (engine number 20/111...). 3 small screws around the crankshaft seal. I haven't seen this before, also internet research didnt help. Anyone know what they are for?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/861b10l5hea4ggt/IMG_5056.JPG?dl=0

Your images are not coming up.

There are, of coarse, three screws holding the inner primary cover to the drive side crankcase. I assume these are not the ones in question.

There are no factory installed screws near the drive side crankshaft seal. If you are finding screws there, I would assume a PO has installed them, perhaps to retain the seal should the fit be a bit loose.

Hope this helps.

Slick

I now see your link to images. Those screws are not factory stock. They are too far from the seal to be useful as a retainer. What was the PO thinking??

Somebody may have drilled holes in order to use a punch to remove the main bearing and then threaded the holes to blank them off. Can't see any other use for them.

Ian

Ok thanks guys. So looks like its not original and someone had something in mind....My first though was that the screws could be used to adjust the crankshaft axial play. But who would want to rely on that.

There are also 3 holes on my Atlas for the alternator mount, plus the 3 for the primary inner cover.

The 3 in the photo are inside those 2 sets - I agree with OP - not standard