If you are looking for an oil-tight engine then employing this tool in your next engine build would be very useful
Regardless of the Lotus workshop manual instructions, the priority when installing the back plate and timing cover is to centralise the crankshaft oil seal so as to ensure it is concentric with the crankshaft nose. The crankshaft oil seal will not tolerate misalignment, whereas the water-pump ‘O’ rings will tolerate about 0.005” or slightly more. Unfortunately there is no easy way of installing the front timing chest as there are no location dowels.
This simple but effective tool is offered at AUS $30.00 each excluding GST
Pricing is correct as of 6/6/2026 but may change with time so please check before ordering
Regardless of the Lotus workshop manual instructions, the priority when installing the back plate and timing cover is to centralise the crankshaft oil seal so as to ensure it is concentric with the crankshaft nose. The crankshaft oil seal will not tolerate misalignment, whereas the water-pump ‘O’ rings will tolerate about 0.005” or slightly more. Unfortunately there is no easy way of installing the front timing chest as there are no location dowels.
This simple but effective tool is offered at AUS $30.00 each excluding GST
Pricing is correct as of 6/6/2026 but may change with time so please check before ordering