8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

Have a 69a Engine fitted with 8BA style timing cover.
Running a Chev type distributor.

The cover has a hole in central area which has been closed off with a set bolt and lock nuts. What would have been the purpose of this hole as I see other covers do not have this hole. Oil Supply distributor timing gear??

Also see cover markings:

Pin for timing- C8RT-6059-P Pin is located at this mark.

Lower area- C0BA-6059-?

These 2 choice of locations for timing pin location :
1: Truck Engine. 8RT
2: Car Engine -8BA

Attachment 451085

Attachment 451086

Appreciate all info for these queries.
Phil NZ

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

My guess is that the hole with the bolt in it is used to satisfy the cover to cam end clearance spec. that would normally be controlled by the dia. shown. Which is probably worn out of spec.


8RT meant to be used with 8RT pulley.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

Appreciate your reply. So it needs to be refitted and not just closed off?
I realize the 8RT is meant to be used with 8RT pulley, But my query was about the ability to have the timing pointer at the upper location where it is now or located at the lower location. This obviously alters timing setting dependant on 8BA or 8RT set up?

Phil NZ

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

The 2 degree BTDC timing remains the same with the pointer in either location.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

I don't think that hole should be there on a stock Ford cover. I have never seen one (which doesn't mean much), but it is drilled right through the last character of the cast in part number. I don't think Ford did that.

I am not familiar with the Canadian numbering systems, but if that 8BA type timing cover is on an earlier engine, the hole may be an attempt at controlling cam thrust.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

I have trouble understanding this one. If this is correct what is the point of the 2 different locations for pointer then.
Thanks
Phil NZ

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

I'm sure that hole should not be there also as per above.
As for the fitting of this bolt in this location it seems feasible and will refit when time to assemble and check on set up.
Phil NZ

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

I think it has to do with the diameter of the pulleys.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

Would that not be an original ford part ,it has the Alcan name on it, not ford
Lawrie

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

My US cover has identical markings (so yours does not look Canadian)
Check the end play dim. of the cam without the cover gasket to see what you are dealing with.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

On my french Flathead there is a screw and locknut to adjust endplay of cam.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

As 51 Merc noted check the cam to cover end play. If its excessive that would explain why someone drilled that hole which could be used to hold some type of thrust limiting device.

Your cover has another item of concern I see some welding has been done on the inside surface of the cover at the location of the lower distributer support hole. This hole is important on how the distributer is located. It would be best to check how the distributor fits in the cover and that the shaft turns with out binding when its in that lower hole.
Ronnieroadster

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

The cast iron narrow belt stepped pulley used on '50-'53 Ford/Merc cars measures about 6 1/16" in diameter and uses the lower pointer location. Trucks and '49 Ford/Merc cars used a sheet metal wide belt pulley that measures about 6 3/4" at the rear and uses the upper pointer location.

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

Yes will check the cam end play prior to fitting of timing cover to see where its at.
Phil NZ

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

Yep will ckeck as suggested. There will be another cam being fitted so will check all. The chev distributor was originally running with the timing cover.
Phil NZ

Re: 8BA Style Timing Cover Queries
 

Thank you all is clear now.
Phil NZ