Timing Cover oil splash guard - is it necessary?

[JToups386]

As I was getting ready to prime my new rebuild I found the timing cover oil splash guard on the workbench. (The dished round metal piece that slides over the crank key and helps seal the front cover where the crank comes through it.)
I do have the regular neoprene seal in place but completely forgot to install the metal splash guard before sealing it all up.

Question - is it absolutely necessary? Have any of you run without it before successfully? Will it leak?

I certainly don't want to take the cover off again if I can avoid it but I also don't want to cut corners if there will likely be a problem as a result.
Please advise...

Thank You,

 

["Black Ice"]

Yeah, it slings oil on the timing chain. it would be best to install it.

 

[chasmat2316]

yes i would install it

 

[Fat Nat]

That piece is called an oil slinger. Yea needs to be in there

 

[TurboBuRick]

Without the slinger the balancer will be too deep. It creates problems with the crank sensor

 

[earlbrown]

Time to pull the cover.

 

[captndave737]

I feel your pain. I was almost all buttoned up once after replacing the timing chain and saw the slinger sitting on the bench. Had to pull the cover again.