I’m interested to know if the XK120’s C2238/1 timing cover is essentially the same as the later C8614/1 which I think was fitted to XK150/early 3.8 E-Type?
What I’m thinking is, if the C8614/1 cover is designed for a lip seal for the front of the crank, it might be an easier option than trying to machine the early type so the seal fits it… I’m planning to fit the metal-cased seal as supplied by Terry’s with the new O-ring type distance piece. Hopefully, the sump will not require machining.
I want to cure this dratted oil leak once and for all. Third time lucky??
Might be interchangable, but consider that the cover needs to be decked at the same time as the block. It would be a miracle to find one that has been cut the same as yours.
Good point, Mitchell. I think I’m going to go with the seal conversion from Terry’s which is designed for the XK120. In view of the outrageous postage cost, I’m going to have them send it to a relative in the US who is coming over to England in the summer.
Indeed. But the biggest difference is the XK120 gear-type oil pump and front main cap. They are completely different from the later style and not convertible or interchangeable.
To expand on the topic a bit, the difference also extends to the oil sump. On the XK120 block, the front half of the sump baffle mounts to the main caps, not the sump, as is the case on everything later. That difference, combined with the difference in the oil pump mounting, means that the oil sump used on the XK120 blocks shouldn’t really be used on the later engine blocks.
You probably haven’t seen too many of these 6-bolt cranks, either, Paul. My very experienced engine builder had never seen one, and he’s been doing XK engines for 30+ years.
The difference between timing cover C2238 and C2238/1 is the thickness at three of the bolt holes near the bottom.
I took some measurements.
Timing cover seal slot 2.554" dia. x .499" w
Sump seal slot 2.610" dia. x .502" w
Crankshaft sleeve 1.993" dia. x .821" t
Therefore the rope seal ought to measure a little over 1/4" x 1/2" x 4" lg.
As I recall I had to file mine a little bit on the ID to get the timing cover and sump to fit. If I had a 2" round bar I could have set it on the seal and hammered on that. I’ll bet that’s what the factory guy did.
It seems to work, not much leak such that I would care about it.
My Terry’s seal conversion is on its way. I expect delivery early next week. I’ll report on how it fits, though in the 3.4 litre engine upgrade thread. Stay tumed.
Addendum. Sounds right. The front rope seal I received from one of the better known usuals measures 1/2” x 1/2”, squeezed into a micrometer. Grossly oversized.
