Oil pump gaskets… who needs ‘em…?

Simply check the gap between your timing cover and the cases before tightening. You want about 1/32" gap. If its too much then simply file down the flat side of the cone shaped rubber gasket that goes on the oil pump. I've never used sealer or or paper or anything. The oil leak through the oil pump goes past the sides of the gears ond the gear teeth and the gap between the gears and the removable oil pump plate will be more than any imperfection between the oil pump body and the case.

Thanks for the info, folks!
Looks like I can simply use the conical seal instead of the MKIII seal and move forward. Will mind the gap as instructed. Jim, it sounds like your reusable timing cover gaskets will not necessitate the use of a gasket behind the oil pump then.

Cheers!
timson

I, being careful, recommend the seal meant for the timing cover and the oil pump bush meant for the seal. IMHO, the whole thing is already a leap of faith whether it properly seals or not so mixing and matching is beyond my comfort zone.

Noted, Greg. A reasonable recommendation and no reason not to heed.

Cheers!

robs ss said:

Sadly, you need a thick one when you get this from a reputable builder!
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So, who made the cases? Original? What did you expect the engine builder to do with that surface? If he didn't cast or machine them, he inherited the surface from whoever did.