There must be a trick to this!

[dtcerrato]

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.

[bevans6]

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?

[dtcerrato]

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.