289 timing chain issue

I was changing my oil pan gasket when I found a lot of metal shavings in the oil pump pick up and bottom of the pan. I removed the engine and during the disassembly found the source of the metal. It was from the inside of the timing chain cover. The fuel pump eccentric was rubbing on the inside of the cover and had actually shaved down the cover where it was rubbing. I did have the timing chain replaced several years ago along with the timing chain cover. The car showed no signs of this issue. Has this happened to anyone out there? Is there a big difference in the thickness of timing chain sprockets that would cause the fuel pump eccentric to sit out too far and rub? Again all I changed in the past was the timing chain & timing chain cover. The timing chain cover is the one used with the cast iron water pump w/backing plate. The 289 is out of my 65 coup. Thanks.  

I've seen this happen several times over the years. Often it is due to a double roller type chain being installed in place of the nylon geared single roller chain, and/or the wrong eccentric being used. In a couple of cases the cam thrust plate bolts worked loose and allowed the cam to walk forward and rub into the cover.

I recommend claying the cover, just like checking piston to valve clearance or oil pickup to pan clearance. This way you difinitively know the distance between the two and if your parts tollerances are correct.

HTH...
Mark
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Mark Houlahan
Technical Editor for:
-Modified Mustangs & Fords Magazine
-Mustang Monthly Magazine

1965 FFR Roadster 427W/TKO-600 5-speed
1966 Mustang 289-4V/C4 Auto
1968 Mustang 4.6L Three-Valve/5R55S Auto
1990 Mustang 306/AOD
2002 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V-6/5R55 Auto

Mark thanks for the reply. I'm glad someone out there has seen this problem before. I passed the information on to the mechanic rebuilding the engine. Thanks again.

Tony
65 coup
91 GT conv
06 GT