1. Locate the Timing Marks
- Place the #1 piston at TDC of compression stroke. The timing mark on the crankshaft should be lined up with the 0 mark on the timing chain cover.
- Note: The timing marks use the opposite method of Ford's small-block V-8s. The small blocks rotate clockwise, so the timing mark on the cam gear is on the left in relation to the mark on the crankshaft gear. The 351C rotates counterclockwise, so the cam gear timing mark is on the right in relation to the crankshaft timing mark.
2. Install the Oil Pump
- Clean all gasket surfaces and apply a thin bead of silicone sealant to the oil pump mating surface.
- Install a new gasket and the oil pump. Tighten the four oil pump bolts to 18-22 lb-ft (24-30 N-m).
3. Install the Timing Chain
- Hold the timing chain so that the links mesh, and place it over the crankshaft gear and then up over the camshaft gear. Make sure that the timing marks on the camshaft gear are lined up with the marks on the timing chain cover.
- Note: The 351 Cleveland only has one locating pin for the timing set, so the chain may want to slip as the gears are rotated. There are two ways to overcome this problem.
- Use a pry bar to hold the chain in place against the locating pin.
- Wrap a small zip-tie around the chain to hold it in place.
- Place the timing chain cover gasket over the timing chain, making sure that the gasket is centered and flush against the timing chain cover.
- Install the timing chain cover and bolts. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to 12-14 lb-ft (16-19 N-m).
4. Install the Front Cover
- Clean all gasket surfaces and apply a thin bead of silicone sealant to the front cover mating surface.
- Install a new gasket and the front cover. Tighten the front cover bolts in a crisscross pattern to 12-14 lb-ft (16-19 N-m).
5. Install the Harmonic Balancer
- Clean the bore in the crankshaft flange and the surface on the harmonic balancer that rides against it.
- If necessary, use light sandpaper or emery cloth to remove any rust or corrosion from the surfaces.
- Apply a thin coat of oil to the crankshaft flange and the surface of the harmonic balancer.
- Place the harmonic balancer on the crankshaft and rotate it so that the keyway is lined up with the key in the crankshaft.
- Tighten the harmonic balancer bolt to 150 lb-ft (203 N-m).
6. Install the Serpentine Belt
- Route the serpentine belt around the pulleys on the engine.
- Adjust the tension on the belt by moving the idler pulley until the serpentine belt is tight.
7. Start the Engine
- Start the engine and check for leaks.
- Check the ignition timing and adjust it if necessary.
