276 stroker from 35 years of parts

[GB SISSON]

I measured the gasket after I took it out. It measures .012 thick and it's been compressed. Another note from today's adventures was that instead of making a correct dowel for that breather tube extraction I found a craftsman 15/16" deep socket was a tight pound in fit. In fact it reshaped the oval and somewhat dented tube to like new condition. I plugged a 1/2" breaker bar into it and after a bit of wiggling the tube rotated out of it's hole. I will install it into my block with loctite or epoxy if it feels loose. On the camshaft front I found that rotating the crank in the other direction moved the cam gear outward and it didn't grip the hub on the cam so I could see when the correct 4 holes rolled into sight. As most of you had probably predicted, (where's the roll eyes imogee?) the very first tab I bent over on my 'used' cam gear lock plate developed a crack and that was all I needed to see. New 'store bought' one is slated to arrive June 3rd. And you will be pleased to know I succesfully drilled the heads on two 5/16" bolts for oil pump attachment. One is a bit longer for if the council recommends a lock washer along with the safety wire and loctite. I always thought it was odd that such an important part is attached by a single bolt...