Ok, here i go again. What is the purpose of the round sheet metal plate that goes between the timing chain and balancer under the timing chain cover?

 

I’m guessing it’s to prevent oil from leaking past the front seal. That’s the only thing I can think of.

 

Oil slinger?

 

So is its designed to oil the chain?

 

Yes and the fuel pump rod and centric I think it's called.

 

It's called an oil slinger. My theory (since I've never been inside the earlier Olds V8's) is in the earlier engines a part like this did actually sling oil from the sump up onto the timing chain. The 64 and up engines directly oil the timing chain from the passenger oil galley, so that's wildly unnecessary. Most have guessed that it's still around to limit oil splash hitting the back side of the front seal.

 

Appreciate the input. I did decide today to pull the cover and put it in. I had decided if I didn't I would have that thing hanging on the wall of my shop until the motor stopped running and then would put it in. That would have nagged at me like crazy.