Factory markings on crank sprocket

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

solaralexx

Newbie
Joined
Mar 9, 2024
Messages
14
Reaction score
18
Location
Los Angeles
97 Tahoe 4wd

Hi,
I am changing the timing cover due to a bad oil leak.

It seems someone changed it before and bodged it, because there was a ton of RTV sealing it around the front of the pan, and the old cover was cracked (see pic). I don’t have a service history and am wondering why the previous person changed it.
You must be registered for see images attach


Everything seems OEM but there is a notch painted onto the cam sprocket (see pic, white paint around yellow dot). Is this paint mark from the factory? If not, I guess someone changed the timing chain?
You must be registered for see images attach
 

GoToGuy

I'm Awesome
Joined
Sep 16, 2020
Messages
3,915
Reaction score
4,861
Location
CAL
Who knows, maybe they tried to fix pan leak or front seal.
And had a gorilla remove the cover. I doubt the factory assemblers need to paint I.D. the timing marks.
I would have cleaned that block area myself, less chance of crap finding it's way in.
 

movietvet

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Dec 20, 2023
Messages
2,886
Reaction score
9,542
Location
Oregon
The post heading says crank and your pic is of cam sprocket. Either way, they just marked it with paint to see better during assembly. Replace the cover and make sure to lube inside of seal before reassembly, so the balancer slides in easily. Make sure seal surface at balancer is very clean and the entire front area of the engine needs a good cleaning.
 

Schurkey

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2018
Messages
12,548
Reaction score
16,266
Location
The Seasonally Frozen Wastelands
You must be registered for see images attach

Who would re-install a busted timing cover, when the thing is known to be non-reusable even if it isn't cracked?

Some people need their fingers broken with their own wrenches.
 

L31MaxExpress

I'm Awesome
Joined
Apr 21, 2018
Messages
7,143
Reaction score
9,872
Location
DFW, TX
I will add that the crank sprocket in that kit is a 3 way adjustable made specifically for that Cloyes set so it is not marked where most GM are.
 
Top