Timing Set / Cover Fitment Problem

My 418w stroker block just arrived. Wow does it look awesome. Forged everything! The cam was installed with a Comp Cams Hi Tech roller timing set PN 3135. My original 1970 timing cover won't seat on the block by about .100" without the gasket. The fuel pump eccentric is hitting the inside of the timing cover. Both timing gears look to be seated correctly. The chain looks straight and has about .100" space from the block. I can turn over the rotating assembly by hand, no problem. Has anyone seen this problem before? Should I take the fuel pump eccentric off and remove .120 off with a surface grinder? [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

yes, I've seen that numerous times. I don't use a fuel pump eccentric though on any of the race cars, but I did run into that problem on the junkystang that does use one. Some cam gears are thicker than others, and I believe that is why the eccentric hits the cover. You theoretically "could" machine the eccentric, but the fuel pump lever may hit the cam gear. I would pull the eccentric, install the cover and fuel pump and make sure the gear doesn't hit the lever before you go machining the eccentric. Either that or you could go with a different timing set.

You built a 418 all fordged engine and your going to bother running a mechanical pump? As good as the electric pumps are today, install one and forget about it.

Also, you probably will not be able to turn your engine over by hand. It will take atleast 18 ft/lbs of torque to do so if the heads are not on with valve springs.
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Guys; thanks for the feedback. My first step will be to remove the eccentric and see if my fuel pump will clear the timing chain. I called Comp Cams. The guy on the tech line was a very big prick and offered no sugestions or history of this problem.

OK, did an about face here, I am going to install a electric fuel pump. I don't want to starve the lilttle monster! [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img]

What should be the min. GPH capacity?

I'm using that same timing set on my 408. I had the exact same fitment issues that you are having. I decided to run an electric fuel pump instead of modifying the cover. Right now I'm running a holley blue. It seems to get the job done, but it is kinda noisy. I can't hear it when the car is running, so the noise is not really an issue for me. I've also got a mallory model 140 that will take the holley's place when it dies. I've heard a lot of good stuff about the mallory fuel pumps.
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Eric; Thanks for the feedback. I spoke with Jesse, he thinks my Holly 833 mechanical fuel pump will do what I need. Are you using the stock fuel tank outlet with your blue electric? Any issues when the tank gets low?

I modified my tank outlet. Its got 1/2" outlet now (The stock line was like 5/16" or so). I did mine pretty much like they show in the photo in the tech department. I've got 1/2" fuel line up to the regulator, but everything after the regulator is 3/8." As far as the tank being low, the only issue I really have is the kick in the wallet when I fill it back up. Honestly, I've never been below a 1/4 tank since I installed the holley blue, so I don't really know how it behaves when the tank is low. Usually I stay fairly close to home with the Mach 1. She's been in a bad mood lately and has been trying to make it a habit to break down every time she leaves the garage.
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