Timing Cover Install - Live and Learn ...

So I installed my newly handworked oil pump on my MKIII, along with the new AMR anti-sumping ball, with new oil seals for the crank and camshaft.

Looked easy, so I offered up the timing cover to the case, threaded the ignition wire through ... and with no more than a touch, I completely hosed up the ignition cavity oil seal, completely bent and stretched the little spring on the seal. Thought I had more mechanical sympathy than that, but nooooo ....

So ordering a new seal AND the tapered seal installation guide tool, $28 with shipping and another few days delay. It's always something ..... but no riding the Norton this weekend.

Does anyone install timing covers successfully without that tapered tool? I thought it was just a "convenience", but I guess not.

Lannis

Don't forget to slap a bit of oil on that tapered tool when you use it . Never tried to install the cover without it.

While we're on the general subject, does the crank seal need any similar coddling to install properly? I'm hoping not, maybe just being careful and letting the tapered camshaft tool and the case dowel locate the cover and it'll slide right on the crank ..... ?

Lannis

Lannis said:

Does anyone install timing covers successfully without that tapered tool?

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Yes, it can be done using a small blunt tool to ease the lip of the seal over the end of the camshaft.

Lannis said:

While we're on the general subject, does the crank seal need any similar coddling to install properly?

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No, because the crankshaft seal faces the opposite direction.

Thanks, all, for the replies. Since I plan to own and fettle this Norton for a while, I went ahead and spent the $20 for the proper tool. I've already got the clutch spring depressor and the exhaust nut wrench so I hope to be set for all normal repairs .....

Lannis

I don't have the tool but so far have not rolled a seal. I use a generous amount of heavy wheel bearing grease and ease it over.

A 10mm (maybe 11mm?) 1/4 drive socket works well for the timing seal as well...

I've already got the clutch spring depressor and the exhaust nut wrench so I hope to be set for all normal repairs .....

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I would add purchasing a front primary chain sprocket puller to your Norton tool list, no way to get it off the tapered fit otherwise...that I know of

1up3down said:

I've already got the clutch spring depressor and the exhaust nut wrench so I hope to be set for all normal repairs .....

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I would add purchasing a front primary chain sprocket puller to your Norton tool list, no way to get it off the tapered fit otherwise...that I know of

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FWIW a steering wheel puller works for the sprocket, bought one at a local chain auto parts store and it even came w/ the right bolts...something like the one below

I've never used that tapered tool for the seal. Done it 2 or 3 times and no problems. I think one time I did put some tape on the end of the camshaft. Lucky I guess. I also tend to buy seals in pairs, just because, you know how it goes.

Make sure the washer on the oil pump is there! :?

swooshdave said:

Make sure the washer on the oil pump is there! :?

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Thanks, all, for the replies.

1) I do have the rubber seal on the oil pump to the timing cover.

2) Buying the points/camshaft seal in pairs to have a spare or two on the shelf is a good idea.

3) Sounds like there are several different work-arounds but the proper tool is cheap and available so I'll just wait for it to show up.

4) I'll check out the sprocket puller versus the standard gear pullers that I have. Sometimes the standard ones don't "pull" the right way ... !

Lannis