Okay, I'll be installing a slant in my '73 Dart pretty soon, but I have to keep the 318 in it now running until then. So if you don't want to bother with this 318 question, I'll understand.

I hope this makes sense. I am re-installing the timing cover on my '73 318. I haven't done this in years so bare with me. After putting the rubber C gasket in the pan, and the cork gaskets to each side. I find that the cover gets pushed up a bit and I can't install the cover bolts without pushing the cover down. Okay, that's alright, but I was taught to install the bolts loosly so the cover can move around, then partially install the dampher and let the dampher align the seal, and therefore the cover itself to the right place, then finish tightening the bolts.

Makes sense, since one doesn't want the seal and dampher misaligned. However, I can see that the dampher is pushing up on the seal because of the new gasket stuff around the pan. In fact, looking at the old seal, I can see that this was a problem before.

How do you guys usually do it? Thanks!
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To be honest I never knew about "aligning"the seal until a few years ago.Since I didn't know to worry about it I didn't and never had a problem.Although I suspect thats why they sell those repair sleeves for the Harmonic balancer.Maybe you can "best estimate" when pushing down on the cover? I'm thinking that by the time that seal gives you a problem in the future that 318 will be needing a complete overhaul anyway so-Install and don't sweat it Good luck.

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83 B-150 slant 6,4 speed. 79 B-300 360 pathfinder 4x4. 74 W-300 318 4x4 git-r-done 80 B-100 sl6,4speed

hi, same as a slant. loosen oil pan bolts to allow for a tiny drop on front of oil pan. install front cover with bolts loose. install v damper. tighten front cover. tighten oil pan bolts. ron