Hi Carla,

I was lucky I guess, I matched every part I got with my original, so all is good.  Thanks for the advise.

John

John,

Be certain to check that the combination of timing cover and damper or crank pulley is compatible, meaning that the pointer is at '0' or 'TDC' when nos. 1 and 6 pistons are exactly at TDC.

I just can't remember, offhand, the specific years, but there were some changes in the timing cover pointer position, which corresponded to changes in the position of time marks on the pulley. If the timing cover and pulley or damper you are using are from the same engine, you should be alright, but check the pointer alignment anyway, just to be certain.

A good way to do this is to set up a dial indicator to read the top of no. 1 or 6 piston, roll the engine over a few times to set the indicator at exactly zero at the highest point of the piston travel, and then roll the engine over til the indicator reads some arbitrary number, say .020 before the zero. Mark the pulley to match the pointer at that position, then continue to roll the engine over til the piston is that same number, in this instance .020 past top centre, on its way down.

(thats what the 1/8" NPT plug above no.6 piston is for......a pin sliding through a fitting with a 1/8" NPT thread can be improvised, to enable the piston to re read by the indicator if the engine head is on.......care must be taken to knurl or slightly deform the pin  near the top so that it can't slip all the way through the fitting and fall into the cylinder.

Mark the pulley to match the pointer at that position........your verified TDC will be exactly half-way between those marks.

That should correspond with the '0' or TDC' mark on the pulley.........if not, gently adjust the timing pointer to the mark.If its 'way off', you've a wrong part.........change either the timing cover or the pulley to have the correct combination.

cheers

Carla

I have all the parts, thank you all.

With help from members I was able to obtain most parts.


I still need a timing chain cover, preferably one that still has the timing pointer on it.



Thanks, John

Thanks, will contact them today.  Their site says they almost have it all. 

Try http://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/products/featured-parts-catalog.htm
Many parts may fit.

I am looking for front cover assembly, the plate behind it, and the little clip and tube for the cam oiler for a 54 Plymouth block.  I am pretty sure, but not positive mopar engines from 46 though 54 should be the same for these parts at least.  Also if you have a spare front motor mount bracket. 
And thinking more, a flywheel would be nice, I will be using a 230 crank.

I am building a separate engine from one in the car currently so if anyone has these items, please send me a note with how much, plus shipping.  I am in Mt. View, CA 94040



Thanks, John