Classic/Antique Car Repair/67 cadillac engine

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Expert: - 12/1/2007


Question
What oils the timing chain and distributor gear.I just rebuilt engine and there is no oil under the timing cover area.

Answer
The timing chain and the mechanism mounted in the timing case or front covers is lubricated by throw off from the front main and the number one cam bearing. The thrust plate that goes on behind the cam timing sprocket should have oil grooves milled into one surface. That surface with the milled grooves should be installed so the grooves are up against the block allowing oil from the number one cam bearing to be directed to the cam sprocket to be splashed around the case. It is possible that number one cam bearing is installed incorrectly so that it lubrication hole is not aligned with the oil passage in the block. The front main should also be throwing off oil into the case but most of that will drain right back into the crankcase.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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