Explorer timing cover not lining up?

[PDQ]

Swapping out timing covers to the Explorer front dress and where the standard cover came right off, the Explorer cover won't quite line up on the lower locater dowels. Dowels are just slightly too wide for the matching cover holes.

Is this common at all? Not sure if I can nudge the dowels to angle inboard a bit? i really don't think I want to elongate the dowel holes in the cover? Maybe put the cover in the oven....and then never take it off again?

Any help always appreciated. Thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

So you're saying it's that close that you think heating it up might get it there? If so, that's not very much. Never heard of it being an issue before either way.

Is the oil pan loose and hanging down so it's not putting upward pressure on the new cover? Old one coming off is one thing, but I've found that the pan needs to be very loose to allow it to go back on again easily.
And that's just with reusing the same front cover.

There might be something about removing the dowels, but I don't like that solution. I'd rather see what's going on. Subscribing here to see what others say.
I have the setup on my Bronco but I did not install it so no experience there on this point.

Oh, and did you remove the fuel pump eccentric from the front of the timing gear first? If not that might be putting some English on the new cover that makes it look like it's a dowel alignment issue. Maybe?

Good luck.,

Paul

 

[PDQ]

Thanks Paul and I agree, I'd rather not ditch the dowels if I can avoid it. Pan is not on currently as it's on a stand. Eccentric removed to clear the bolt bosses on the new style cover.

It's not close enough to where it looks like heating may work, but I am just spitballing at this point.

Thank you

 

[67 Halfcab]

OEM Explorer cover or new aftermarket?

 

[PDQ]

Looks to be OEM. Used complete set up bought as a set here.

 

[garberz]

The Dorman reman timing covers won’t line up with the dowels. I left them out and centered the cover with the seal over the crank. Then tightened all the bolts.

Mark

 

[Steve83]

The Dorman TC I bought fit my 5.8L perfectly, with both dowels. I have to assume the OP's TC is bent, but it's hard to be sure without any pics.