Timing cover installation

[small ranger]

Hey I'm reading up about replacing the timming cover and the book says use an aligent tool for the reinstall. How easy is the cover to align without the aligntment tool? Is it worth the $49.00 from eBay?

 

[enginepaul]

Well - - yes and no. I've done it without the alignment tool, but it wasn't all that easy if I remember correctly. The difficulty was keeping the hole centered around the crank snout.
To me, the tools are worth it when you need them, and you can usually sell them when you are done BUT these engines are declining in numbers, so there may not be many buyers. (I bought two 'full" sets to make one; but I never needed all the tools.)

That alignment tool also makes installing a new front seal with the engine in the truck a lot easier.