Hi from Norway,

During my rebuild of my NA 13 B (1986) engine I have discovered a number of "cracks" or scratch marks both inside and outside the front cover.

My first impression was that the front cover was "broken" and could not be reused. However, to my surprise the photos in the Haynes manual (pictures 10.12a and 10.14 on page 69) show the same cracks.

Is this some kind of damage or is the front cover OK for reuse?

Looking forward to your opinions on this mystery...........


Oivind

 

I replaced the cover on my '87 last year when I came upon the same observations. I ordered another one from a parts distributor and found that it also had these cracks. I've seen others since and have come to the conclusion that they are casting marks of some type, because they don't (at least mine didn't) leak oil through the cracks. I wouldn't worry unless your front cover is leaking severely.

 

Inspired by your comments, dorman52000, I once again had a look in the Haynes manual and compared their pictures with my front cover.

It turns out that my "crack" marks are in similar (really identical) to what is shown in the manual. I therefor fully support your conclusion; these must be casting marks of some sort.

Oivind

 

Yes, those are normals marks from the casting production process.
Unless it's confirmed leaking oil from a "crack", don't worry about it.


-Ted

 

Thank you, RETed

There is no oil leak, so I will reuse the front cover.

Oivind

 

Yes, I realize that this is 4 1/2 years later but I have discovered the same on my front cover during a tear-down (that's why I am at this thread) and would agree that it's intrinsic to the casting