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Hi friends and thanks for all the help you’ve given as I replaced the front main seal on my 1949 Olds 88 303 v8. In other posts I’ve asked for help removing the harmonic balancer and removing the timing chain cover. It’s getting close to reassembly and I need some help. My Oldsmobile service manual recommends assembly with some sealers that aren’t around any more.
The 5 bolts on the timing chain cover are suppose to be dipped in “P.O.B. No.3 sealer from DuPont”. Anyone know of a good replacement?
The 4 water pump bolts are suppose to be dipped in “C.P No.9 sealer from National Products Company”. Anyone know of a good replacement?
I plan to use permatex Indian head gasket shellack on one side of the paper gaskets snd Hylomar on the other side before I assemble the timing cover, fuel pump, and oil pan gaskets. How’s that sound?
Last edited by maineolds; January 11th, 2021 at 09:41 AM.
You can use any good modern gas/oil/antifreeze resistant sealer on these bolts. I'm thinking plain old plumbers pipe dope should work fine. The liquid stuff, not teflon tape. Permatex should have a compatible sealant.
Find a local-owned parts store. They'll come closer to knowing what will work than the pimply kid at a chain parts store.
Last edited by rocketraider; January 11th, 2021 at 12:49 PM.
Thank you everyone. I had a bit of a setback today. My timing chain cover cracked while removing a brass fitting for the water bypass. Wicked bummer. Thankfully there was a repaired cover on eBay I was able to snap. I sure hope it doesn't leak since all this was to FIX a leak at the front main seal. Hey, look at the bright side, at least its winter and the Olds is resting in the garage!
Anyone know how to remove the oil fill pipe on the timing cover for a 1949 Olds 88 with 303 v8?
is it pressed in? I need to reuse mine on a replacement cover. I wonder if 1.5” exhaust tubing is a better option? This one doesn’t want to budge.
If you have any more unexpected problems I've got a couple extra timing covers with good oil fill tubes. I'm in Oregon, so shipping to Maine might be more than purchase price!
2blu442, mega thanks! Im afraid of the one I just bought on eBay. Im hoping the weld is good and it wont leak. It was fixed near where the oil pan attaches. I bought it afraid I wouldn't be able to track one down. Its expected at the end of the month. Till then the Olds is in pieces. I'll keep you all posted.
Timing cover is going back on today thanks to all your help. Anyone know the torque spec for the harmonic balancer bolt? I’m snugging it up and don’t see a spec in the book
Thanks! It’s always good to update info. We’ve all learned a lot from reading old threads. For what it’s worth, the steps I took in the front main seal rebuild worked like the charm. 2000 miles later, all is well.
January 11th, 2021, 09:39 AM
