Hey AMC 360 Engine Gurus--Do I Really Need This Part

[gwinn]

Well, I got tired of the lope on the cam which we installed during last Winter's total overhaul, so I decided to re-cam with something milder. Got the new cam in and closed up the timing chain cover/waterpump and all of the belt driven stuff when I noticed this part laying on the floor. I know it came from on the crank shaft from between the harmonic balancer and the timing chain cover, but I really don't feel like digging into it again. What will happen if I leave it out?
http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/Parts-Junkyards/extra%20parts.JPG

[ August 16, 2003, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: gwinn ]

[Stuka]

welp...I do believe that looks like an oil slinger...which I think is kind of a needed part...

[flyboy]

you can take it apart now, or take it apart later. Less expensive to do it now.

[chrisnsarah]

It's an oil slinger for the front timing cover seal. It goes on the crankshaft just before you install the cover. You may get a leak there after awhile. I left mine out once too but we weren't too far into the motor to pull the timing cover and balancer to install it.

[flyboy]

there was a post on this a few days back

[ August 16, 2003, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: flyboy ]

[gsmikie]

i never reinstall them i have been running with out slingers for mmmmmmm 33 years now i would not bother

[AMX factor]

Same here. When I re cammed my 87 360 I tore it apart and reassembled it. Durign the rebuild I had this nagging sixth sense telling me something is wrong. After I got it fired up and running I realized what was missing. I looked all over for it but it's no where to be found. I asked a few big AMC guru's and most said don't worry about it. Most motors run without them some don't it's a 50/50 crap shoot. Now with 15k on the new cam guess I got the good crap!

[xj2fsj]

I juat parted out my '82 and came across this peice when pulled the timing cover. thanks for the heads up. I will be sure to reinstall this oil slinger to lube my timing chain.

[gwinn]

Thanks guys! I think I'll leave it out but keep it handy should there be a problem. I just want to get it running and off the road ASAP! smile.gif

[billyrb]

gwinn.......well.......I would put it back in. Tearing down the motor to do so would take some time, yes, but the benefits would be worth taking the time to do it right the first time. I think it would be a shame to do all that work, and compromise the integrity of the engine....just my $.04 (cause $.02 doesn't go as far as it use to!)

[Stuka]

If I remember right the AMC V8 is a non-interferancce engine. So when your timing chain does break from lack of lube..it shouldent break *to* much stuff inside...

[Cliff]

I always thought the slinger prevented timing cover seal from leaking. Don't think it will shorten the timing chain life.

[Chevelleguy]

Why do you think it's called a slinger? It slings the oil onto the cam gear and chain. If it wasn't needed the engineers wouldn't have put it there.

[gwinn]

Originally posted by Cliff:
I always thought the slinger prevented timing cover seal from leaking. Don't think it will shorten the timing chain life.I agree Cliff. In order to truly be a slinger it has to be able to sling oil from somewhere. How much of a pool of oil is this "slinger" actually dipping into to sling oil on to the timing chain? IMHO I believe this part, though necessary to an extent, is solely to reduce the possibility of damage to the cover seal. smile.gif

[viscacha]

It must have been put there for a reason. Maybe this is a situation where one slinger doesn’t really make that big a difference. It was bare minimum from AMC. Is there an upgrade? Maybe put two slingers in there for off road? Good question. :cool: