1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Aftermarket Buick 225 Timing Cover

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by PA CJ, Mar 13, 2019.

  1. Mar 13, 2019
    PA CJ

    PA CJ Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2015
    Messages:
    70
    I received my aftermarket timing timing cover today. Manufactured by ATP. I bought this on rock auto but it’s also available through summit racing.

    Looks like the distributor port casting is about 0.100” taller than the stock timing cover after measuring from several different reference points.

    Has anyone else used an aftermarket timing cover? Have you seen the same thing? Any distributor gear engagement issues? I have concerns.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Mar 14, 2019
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2009
    Messages:
    1,691
    Personally.
    All the mass produced timing covers were not intended for the 225..
    TA performance would be the only aftermarket unit i would use..
     
    dnb71R2 and RATTYFLATTY like this.
  3. Mar 14, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    I used the TA one on mine and the melling oil.pump and had some issues....not with the timing gear but with oil pump alignment and distributor length. probably need to change gasket thickness on oil pump to accomodate...nothing ever just fits together ideally
     
  4. Mar 14, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    The replacement timing covers have a pointed shape for the front oil pan rail vs a flat front pan rail for the original 225. The replacements have a dual pattern thay fits either. The later V6s ((1980s) used the pointed front oil pan.
    I too have had issues getting the distributor refit using a generic replacement timing cover. Every time I would snug the distributor down, it would push the oil pump gear hard into the lower pump housing. I ended up using a hardened shim washer with the distributor base gasket at the clamp bolt to space things up a bit. This made enough space for some end-float of the shaft once everything was snugged down.
    Its frustrating when new parts aren't made to the correct specifications! It also makes you question the rest of the quality.
    -Donny
     
  5. Mar 14, 2019
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,538
    I believe there are actually shims designed for distributors.
     
  6. Mar 15, 2019
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    Messages:
    3,784
    Doesn't take much there is no pressure on it........can be aluminum, steel or UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)......got a lathe? make one.
     
  7. Mar 15, 2019
    wasillashack

    wasillashack Member

    Wasilla, Alaska
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2008
    Messages:
    268
    The shims I am familiar with are to control/limit thrust on the distributor shaft IN the distributor housing. I don't know the suggested thrust off hand. I suppose you could use more than one gasket between the distributor and the timing cover, or if the required distance is large enough, turn one on a lathe as Tarry suggests.
     
  8. Mar 15, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    Multiple paper gaskets will "settle" in time and allow the distributor to loosen, not holding its clamped position. Yes, any non-compressable material would would work, I just happened to have a hardened shim the perfect size.
    My gripe is that the aftermarket covers aren't made to the same specs as original, and there is no caution to check distributor/oil pump stacking height.
    -Donny
     
New Posts