7M Timing Cover Not Machined With Block - Deck Surface Mismatch Fix

During a 7M engine rebuild, the rear section of the front timing cover was not installed on the block when the deck surface was machined at the machine shop. Because the cylinder head sits on both the block deck and the timing cover, the cover surface is now higher than the block deck, which will prevent proper head gasket sealing and can lead to blown head gasket.

The rear section of the front timing cover was left off the block when the machine shop decked the block surface. The head sits on both the block deck and this cover, so they must be co-planar. The deck flatness specification is 0.002" over the full length including the cover.

Moderate confidence — Multiple community members agreed on this solution