Having a heck of a time getting the timing cover back on.
Does the pan have to be lowered to get the front main seal to go back in? or am I missing something?

 

Ah yes - the dreaded Oldsmobile timing cover replacement. If there ever was a more PITA thing to accomplish, it surely is this.

You are supposed to drop the oil pan (as per the CSM) before removing the timing cover. Then, you're supposed to install the timing cover before reinstalling the oil pan.

Check out this thread >>> https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-block-125276/

Read Joe's suggestions on the above thread here >>>2

You aren't missing anything.

 

Thank you I have a repair manual on the way but was hoping to get her back together this weekend.Kinda figured that was what was gonna happen.

 

BTW, this is the oil pan gasket I use on my 350 sbo>>>22

FEL-PRO OS30471C

 

What year was it? I just replaced the timing chain on my 87 Delta 88 and didn't have any problem with the timing cover. Getting the harmonic balancer bolt off was terrible. I bought a better impact wrench but the bolt just laughed at it. I kept breaking off 1/2" breaker bars so I ended up getting a 3/4 drive breaker bar where I had to jump up and down on it to get the bolt loose.

 

Easier way to get the bolt loose is to set a breaker on the floor and bump the starter, with the ignition wire off so it doesn't start.

 

Joe's description in the post referenced above is about what I do. I trim the rubber seal then use RTV across the length of the seal and at the ends as a lubricant / sealant for prying the cover into place and ensuring it doesn't leak. It takes some effort, but it can be done. My engine is still sealed up after replacing the camshaft back in around 2004 using this procedure.

 

Thank you for all the response I am going to get the pan out today and get er done

 

I'm not looking directly at my CSM, but using an engine hoist strapped to the front lift point, I disconnect the battery, drain the oil, remove the fan shroud/upper radiator support, remove the distributor cap & rotor (I don't remove the distributor), disconnect exhaust pipes from exhaust manifold, remove starter, remove motor mount bolts and hoist the engine ~4" is all you need. The CSM doesn't call for removing or loosening the transmission cross-member bolts, but I remove the bolts from the transmission cross-member to provide an additional comfort zone for freedom of movement as the engine+transmission is hoisted. HTH

 

I seriously do not understand why you did all of that just to install the timing cover.I have done two (2) cam swaps and simply pried the timing cover into place as described in Joe's post and mine above. Seems like a lot more work than is warranted.