The bastard configuration must have something to do with the application of a Gray Marine diesel engine in a bus. The front main seal cover will NOT come through the large support hole. It's a larger cover with different part no. then what da book shows. Thought it would come through when I made more room by dropping the oil pan - nope, still won't come through. I'm about to think it's not - so I plan on cutting the small meat between bottom left hole & the big hole then use a backer plate to bolt it back in place when cover gets reinstalled with the new front main seal. Before I do this fab, does anyone know any tricks. I thought about removing the support but then I'll need to immobilize the engine, na.
When I installed a NATO engine in my bus I had to change the entire front of the engine, the covers, the thermostat housings, everything down to the block. Can you change the front cover?
Hadn't considered changing the cover. We've owned the bus for 40 years & the only reason we're going after it is to replace the front main seal while retrofitting an upgrade on the unobtainable fan hub. On another board a response was not to cobble the support with a plate but to block engine & remove support. I didn't think facilitating a larger opening for the front plate was a cobble as much as a conveinence for future access if need be. Appreciate the different comments of approach.