Got my gasket kit in but what's the sleeve for???

[Edster]

I opened up the gasket set and noticed it has a metal sleeve in it. It ssems like its supposed to fit over the harmonic balancer in case it has been chewed up. Do I need to tap this sleeve on to ensure a good leak proof seal or is it for a later model application. It seems like i'll have to press or tap it on if I do need it. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[zookeeper]

Without pics, I can only guess, but I assume you have a Speedy-Sleeve included in your gasket set and that's exactly what it's for, repairing a bad seal surface. They take a special installation tool and I've never seen a gasket set come with one, but there's a first time for everything.

 

[frdnut]

My first though was the front seal that goes into the timing cover?..Can't think of any "sleeves" with a gasket set...

 

[dennis112]

The last Felpro timing cover gasket set I bought also included the sleeve for the harmonic balancer. Never was included in the past with the same set.

 

[Noobz347]

I recently purchased a timing cover gasket set for a 302 and found the same sleeve. What I think that it is for is placing over the balancer shaft to help ensure that you don't roll the crank seal when you install the balancer.

To be honest, I didn't look at it very close because I didn't need it for anything. I oiled the balancer (as usual) with a light film before installing and visually checked to make sure that the seal had not rolled.

 

[Edster]

I called a local machinist and he said it was for a harmonic balancer that is grooved. It allows you to use the same balancer and won't leak. SO I used it so I don't have to worry about leaks.