454 Timing Chain Cover & Oil Pan Gasket Replacement?

[savatreatabvr]

I'm ready to put the oil pan and timing chain cover back on my mid 70's 454, which one goes on first? I know there can be an issue with the front and rear seals if they're not put on in the right order! I think the timing cover goes on first but others say oil pan, any ideas?

[Slammed84]

I have always put on the timing cover first. The front oil pan seal lays in the channel at the bottom of the timing chain cover.

However I havent built a big block yet, but I would assume that its the same.

Be sure to put a dab of rtv on each of the corners where the oil pan gaskets meet the rubber seals on the timing cover and the rear main

[savatreatabvr]

Originally Posted by Slammed84

I have always put on the timing cover first. The front oil pan seal lays in the channel at the bottom of the timing chain cover.

However I havent built a big block yet, but I would assume that its the same.

Be sure to put a dab of rtv on each of the corners where the oil pan gaskets meet the rubber seals on the timing cover and the rear main

Yeah you're right, it wouldn't work with the oil pan first! I found out the hard way! Got the harmonic balancer, all the pumps, fan left and shroud then I'll fire it up and see if the loose timing chain was the cause of my lack of power!

[Slammed84]

Fel Pro makes a nice one piece oil pan gasket for small blocks, dunno if they do for biggins.

Is the motor still in the truck? If so im sorry, got some work ahead.

[savatreatabvr]

Originally Posted by Slammed84

Fel Pro makes a nice one piece oil pan gasket for small blocks, dunno if they do for biggins.

Is the motor still in the truck? If so im sorry, got some work ahead.

Unfortunately I didn't check to see if one was available so I ended up with the 4 piece set and let me tell you it was a chore bolting the oil pan back on by myself, I sure hope the rear seal stayed in place, lol!

[Slammed84]

Originally Posted by savatreatabvr

Unfortunately I didn't check to see if one was available so I ended up with the 4 piece set and let me tell you it was a chore bolting the oil pan back on by myself, I sure hope the rear seal stayed in place, lol!

you'll figure it out pretty quick after startup. you'll have a pool of oil and everything will be covered from the back of the motor, especially if you drive it like that.

Yeah, i assumed it was still in the truck and thats why I suggested the one piece gasket. its soooo much easier than gluing those cork pieces on and hoping they stay in place.

[Desert1957]

one of the best ideas going for oil pans..


Desert

[savatreatabvr]

Woohoo, success, finally got it all back together and no leaks, lol! It all seems good so far so thank you everybody for the killer advice and next time anyone is in Arizona I'd buy you beer, lol!

[BADAZ chevy guy]

I've had to change the timing chain on a few 454's I've always pulled just the chain cover (Carefully) and cut just the bottom corners off the inner channel so it would slide past the front of the oil pan. I've never had one leak yet.