Timing Cover Gasket to Thick

[Chrisk]

I'm installing my TA front cover with a felpro gasket and with all the shims installed I still have .045 endplay.

Who makes a thinner gasket?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[earlbrown]

GM timing cover gaskets are a lot thinner than FelPro

 

[BEATAV8]

Something sounds a little hokey. Could be a mis-machined cam thrust face. If it's a roller cam, the lifters may contact the adjacent lobes. Easy to check.

 

[Chrisk]

With all the shims, no felpro and cover snug there's zero play.

The gasket measures .044

 

[earlbrown]

I want to say the GM gasket is .019" but don't quote me on that. I didn't write it down last time I had my hands on the GM gasket.

I have two felpro gasket kits sitting on my couch (and some just delivered new-to-me Starrett mic's) they measure .041" and .044".

 

[Chrisk]

Thanks Earl. I ordered a Victor Reinz and am trying to locate a GM one. All the dealers say the number is discontinued.

 

[earlbrown]

if you absolutely have to have a thinner gasket and have some time on your hands.... go to the parts store and get a gasket roll. Glue the gasket to the cover and after it cures, get the exacto knife out and start match porting.

 

[Chrisk]

I was thinking the same thing. But that's last resort.

 

[charlief1]

I was thinking the same thing. But that's last resort.

See if you can find a detroit gasket set. Their gaskets were always thin to begin with so you might be in luck.

 

[Chrisk]

Thanks

 

[GNRick]

Highway Stars might have it. Doesn't TA carry what you need?

 

[TLIMITED]

If it's a TA cover I would hope they would have the right gasket!!!

 

[BEATAV8]

Cometic makes an excellent front cover gasket for Buicks. If I remember correctly the cometic website lists exactly how thick it is.

 

[BEATAV8]

.031" thick KF material.

http://www.shopengineparts.com/prod...odel=V6+192,231,252,+Stage+I+&+II&type=engine

 

[Chrisk]

.031" thick KF material.

http://www.shopengineparts.com/prod...odel=V6+192,231,252,+Stage+I+&+II&type=engine

Thanks for the link!

 

[m233roller]

Chrisk,
I just went out and measured 3 different ones and they all are about .030 to .035. but it seems to me that the GM ones were only like .018 ? but even at that if you have zero with no gasket and you put an .018 thick gasket in you'll still have to much end play. I'd call TA and talk to Mike about this. I'm very curious what's going on and would you please post up what you find and do?
Thanks Mike

 

[Chrisk]

I have not tried measuring endplay with no gasket and a few shims removed. Maybe with some luck and a GM gasket I could get to .010" I will try measuring tonight.

Thanks.