Included are some pics of the front cover on my 87NA which I just dropped the motor into the car after rebuilding it. I don't know when this peice broke. I am able to get the bolt to screw in it is fairly tight. I have another front cover, but I am going to have to break down the spare motor to get it, and I also really really really don't want to have to pull this motor back out and totally redo the front cover. You think I should risk it

 

I wouldn't worry about it. It's too much trouble to take the engine out just for that. That peice never needs to move at all, since it's the collar that screws into it.
What I would do it clean the threads and such with degreaser (non-residue brake cleaner) and form some JB-weld or any other metal/expoxy mix around it, just to clean it up a bit and give that extra strength and seal.
The thing is, it might leak the way it is... so how bout wrapping some teflon tape around it too(get at any plumbing or hardware).

 

I totaly disagree, its going to leak. You dont have enough of the orignal material to perform the repair suggested above. If you dont want to pull your spare cover, you can buy one real cheap.

you do not have to pull the motor for this repair. Front covers are a pain in the **** in the car, but very do-able. Spend about 4 hours or so and do it right. It's allmost all labor on this one.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I basically came to the conclusion after getting over being upset about what happened, that I am going to have to replace the front cover. I am just going to leave it in the car when I do the repair. I know it is going to be a big pain in the *** but I just had to give back the engine hoist that I was borrowing. Guess I need to start looking around for a air compressor to borrow.

 

Nah, the whole job can be done by hand. I just finished RR, rebuild, port and polish on a NA. All by hand. No big dealo to me.

Just make sure your front stack is aligned (didn't drop a bearing) before your reinstall. Also a great time to replace the thermopellet with a solid unit.

 

I vote to throw that thing away.
The oil pressure at that fitting is about 100psi coming right off the oil pump, so there's a good chance it will not hold.


-Ted

 

 

I thought there was more material there than I guess there is....better to have the input then! You don't want it popping off.

 

Hey Bam, i pulled one out and counted threads. Thats why i feel he is screwed.