Doing the final torque after the red sealant has had a time to firm up.
Got a response from Fel-Pro on why the gaskets weren’t fitting. Turns out these gaskets fit a ’79 350 (OS5197 C-5), but not an ’83 305 (OS30410-C). The blocks were changed a bit it seems. I had bought the gasket set to rebuild the original ’79 350 in the Chevy and that is why they don’t fit. I just assumed… Still hopefully it will seal OK for the short time I’ll need it.
All painted up with Tremclad metal rust satin black rust paint. It worked well on the motor in the Studebaker so hopefully it will here. Not sure if it will stand up around the exhaust ports, but we’ll see.
Time to fit the harmonic balancer back on. I’ve given the inside of the mounting surface a coat of oil and the outside where the seal will fit too. Also a bit on the lip of the seal in the cover to help the balancer slide past.
No need for spacers just the thrust bearing and washer that comes with the kit. Slipped in nice and smooth.
I painted the timing mark with silver paint to make it easier to see when setting the timing. I also outlined the timing tab on the timing cover.
I decided to pour some oil into the pan and spin the oil pump to be sure everything is getting oiled properly.
Next: the real reason why the rockers aren’t getting enough oil!