74 timeing cover

Howdy all :
Having trouble finding the right timing cover for my 74 cj 258 I6,,, all the usual sites have the wrong cover up and list it as fitting but it does not work. the timing scale is in the wrong place and the alternator bracket will not fit up properly. also need the right harmonic balancer or if it is possible to rebuild the originals.... same thing the big suppliers list it as covering that year but it does not line up like the originals. any help appreciated.
THX
Dave

 

Are you sure your engine is a '74 258 and has not been replaced at some point? Are you sure the timing cover is the original?

 

Yes, I have four 1974 cjs, one I have done a frame up on. the others are in the que. it appears that one of them is a 75 258 but that still puts it in the 73 to 75 bracket. Any way if you look at the 74 timeing cover the timeing scale is on the front of the case right middle center. Check out the web sites and you can see their scale is on the lower right corner where the alternator bracket mounts for the 74-75s. Also the harmonic balancers are thicker on the back and do not alighn like the originals. I have contacted Morris and informed them of the situation. Has any one else run into this. Right now I gues im looking for a parts yard.
THX
Dave

 

I'll get out to the shop and have a look. I did have a good one off a 72 but not sure if I still have it. I'll PM you if I find it. I sold a couple of NOS ones a few years ago, I believe there's a difference in the oil pan bolt holes too.

 

I also have a 74 with a 258 that is going to scrap. I can look for you this weekend. Let me know if you are interested.

 

Must have gone with the last load of scrap.

 

thanks guys the help is appreciated... I think I found a guy out in Rosemond that says he is parting out a 75... I am going out there Sunday to see what I can get. I will keep you posted
THX
Dave

 

This would have been good info to have from the get-go.

 

The general experience is that it's difficult to mix and match parts from different vintages of 232/258 engines. There were at least 3 major revisions after 1971, and likely other year-to-year changes. I'm not sure what works for which year. Certainly there was an early version with the PS pump on the passenger side ('72 till ?), there was a version with PS pump on the driver's side (like my '77) and a lightweight version from '81 on. These engines are not very valuable - I'd just look for a core that is complete. The timing cover itself is just a cover and doesn't wear out, if you can find the one you need.

Note that the pre-71 versions (199-232) are very different and not bolt-in compatible with the later engines.

 

I had a 74 with same problem ..it was a 232 ..I change engine to 1977.. 258 and it work fine now.

 

KK,,, I found a 4x4 wrecking yard that deals with jeeps.. he had two of the old style timeing covers and four of the harmonic balancers. By the by I have learned that they refer to that style of balncer as the thin style. Any way I bought all he had. I have found an outfit that rebuilds harmonic balncers. They are called the damper doctor, they are located in redding california. Thats the latest. Thx all
Dave