anyone used BJ's timing cover kit?

[Tripwire]

How did it work out? thinking of getting one

https://www.bjsoffroad.com/Timing-Cover-Kit-AMC-V8_p_656.html

[Rusty76]

I ordered that set. Have no complaints.
One tip I remember was to really look them over. Something about the cast/mold. I was all good.

[Curly5759]

I bought one hoping it would increase my oil psi. No change. Fit fine, no leaks, etc. Nothing wrong with it, it just didn't solve my problem.

[tgreese]

I bought one hoping it would increase my oil psi. No change. Fit fine, no leaks, etc. Nothing wrong with it, it just didn't solve my problem.

How did it measure?

To Tripwire, have you read Ristow's write-up on refurbishing a timing cover? http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=106458

[Curly5759]

How did it measure?

To Tripwire, have you read Ristow's write-up on refurbishing a timing cover? http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=106458

It measured the same as my old one. Gear side clearance and plastigauge on the end plate were the same, out of spec. I don't have the numbers anymore but the side clearance was too wide and the same with the end clearance. That was with a new coverplate. And before anyone asks, yes I do know how to use PG and a feeler gauge.


I replaced the old one hoping that it would solve persistently low oil psi at hot idle. It made no difference. Hot idle psi is less than 10psi, measured with a mechanical gauge and an aftermarket electric gauge. I've put 4K miles on it since and while the psi is low, there are no valve train or rod noises, and it runs well.

[Crankyolman]

I can't tell you anything about BJ's timing cover but when I was looking at replacing mine I did a ton of research and found that there are only a couple manufacturers, one or two in China, and One in Korea, (I think). The Chinese ones are seriously problematic and the Korean ones tend to be a little hit and miss. I chose to buy from Bulltear.com because (at least they claim) they fit test every cover and are only a little more than BJ's. Given my history with BJ's and them arguing about bad parts and not wanting to take them back I would recommend going to Bulltear.



That's not to say Bulltear has great customer service, because they don't, in fact their customer service sucks and it took forever for them to ship the part, even though their website showed it had been shipped, but once I received it I had no worries that it wouldn't be in spec, although I did check and it was. It fit perfectly and works perfectly. I have 20psi at hot idle and 60 or 80 going down the road.

[tgreese]

IIRC there exists a thinner gasket that can reduce the end play (Bulltear?). That might be an easier option than lapping as linked above. Supposedly the end play is critical, and the side play not so much.

Going by the usual rule of thumb (10psi for each 1000 RPM), 10 psi at idle should be ok. Not great, but adequate.

[SC/397]

This thread shows you how to check one for fit.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?p=1678711#post1678711