just did a new timing chain and mechanical fuel pump and got the oil pan and timing cover back on and realized i forgot to reinstall the oil slinger on the crank OMG. How important is the oil slinger and should i take it apart again and install it. I'm in florida and it's f,ing hot thats my excuse.but seriously should i worry?

 

Lets just say if it weren't important they wouldn't be there in the first place. Manufacturers didn't install things for ***** and giggles.

 

I’ve read that they primarily just keep the oil from the crank seal for leaks. Is that somewhat true?

 

I don’t have an engineering answer, but only one of my three 455s still had it in when I pulled them apart.
the one that was in my car did not have it and there was a lot of chain slop for the low miles on the motor…It sat and did not run a lot though over 22 years so not sure if the slinger would have helped prevent some of the stretch ..

I did install it with the motor that’s currently in it.

If you drive it regularly and are not building a lifetime motor it’s probably fine.
if it’s on the stand, it’s pretty simple to install and re-gasket it…

an engine builder on here can get you a better answer though…check with cutlass efi

 

The car I have won’t see a lot of driving and I don’t know how old the chain in it is but it had about 10< > degrees slack and an oil leak in the corner of the oil pan so I just thought it would be a good idea to do it. If it sees 100 miles a year that’s it. I think it will be fine. Hope I’m not wrong 😂 thank and good luck with your car 👍

 

You will get a lot of opinions on this. If I left it out on accident I sure would not pull it apart to put it in. I have taken engines apart that someone forgot to put it in and the engine was not leaking. If it starts leaking then worry about it but not till then.

Also, don't mistake this for an oil slinger that is to sling oil on the timing chain, it is to keep oil off the front seal.

 

That’s what I thought just from looking at it and it’s position in the timing cover but it didn’t have a mechanical fuel pump origin ( when I got it) so thought it might be a good question to ask but I’m not really worried about it. I’m sure the original purpose was for long life as a stock engine but thats a moot point now lol 😂. Thanks for all the replies and so fast I really love this site. Thank you and good cruising to all of you ✌️

 

Why do people ask "is this needed"? Common sense should tell you that GM wouldn't spend a penny on a part that wasn't absolutely required. And yes, the whole point of the slinger is to keep oil off the front seal to minimize leakage, especially as the seal wears. Do it right, don't be half-fast.

 

I'm 100% with you - it's a piece of wall art now. At least until the weather cools.
Or, "Oh, honey, see I have to tear the engine apart again because I made a mistake, so I might as well change the cam and get new lifters and .... ". Always works for me!

No, it's not absolutely necessary. Yes, it's a good idea. No, I certainly wouldn't go back into an engine at this point just for that.

 

Hey oddball, I hear ya. Got enough wall art and not looking to spend anymore money on this project already has a cam, etc. etc. etc. 🤪 this car won’t see a lot of miles so not too worried about it. It’s a gas hog and I run 93 octane in it so!!!!!! Thanks though I feel better now lol.

 

I’m not too proud to admit this, but I did a timing chain on a 71 cutlass when I was 15. I didn’t notice the oil slinger laying in the grass until 2 weeks later. This was long before I had a garage!!! I found it with the riding mower, needless to say it didn’t go back in, even if I wanted to tear it apart again. The mower blades mangled it pretty good!! The car ran just fine for years and never leaked.

Apparently, this is a commonly overlooked part. I have taken apart lots of core engines that have the slinger omitted.

As Joe mentioned, if it wasn’t needed it wouldn’t be there. I’m guessing the olds engineers felt the risk of oil leaks was enough to justify the expense.

 

Keep it, and when the front seal needs to be replaced (hopefully far in the future), put it back in. I wouldn't take it apart now.

 

Well the engine is up and running and I’ll keep yall posted if it leaks. I’m not doing it again we will see what happens. Thanks 👍