I recently tore down my 1957 312 to do an overhaul which is the first time I've been into a Y block since 1964.  I'm now ready to start reassembling the engine but after studying the exploded view in my 1956 factory service manual of the timing chain and related parts I noticed the timing chain lubrication trough was missing along with what is described as a counterweight that mounts behind the fuel pump eccentric on the end of the cam.  For proper lubrication I would guess it's pretty essential to have the timing chain lubrication trough even if I have to fabricate one.  What I do not remember ever seeing before is the counterweight that mounts behind the eccentric.  This part was missing in my engine.  Is this an essential part that I'm going to need before going any farther?    

buddy

If I remember correctly, some engines did not have a counterweight but had a spacer instead. Check to see if you have the spacer.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

It looks like the cam spacer but without the chamfer. Easy to mix up! Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Yes, mine did have the spacer in place of the counterweight so I'll probably be okay there but I guess I should find or fabricate a timing chain oil trough since mine is missing??? 

buddy

You looked in a '56 manual and saw the trough.  If you had looked in a '57 manual, it wouldn't be shown because Ford discontinued it.  Probably saving a few cents.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Obvious second question-does it make a difference if one is added when not there?Was the treaded hole for the screw eliminated after 1956?

  

There is an old thread on here where McTim outlines a "drip" mod for the cam chain lubererer. Its worth finding or maybe someone knows the exact link?

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Here are some past threads discussing the timing chain troughs as well as alternative oiling in lieu of a factory installed trough.  Tim McMasters mod is a good alternative and is also discussed in the following links.

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic24405-3-2.aspx

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic24405-3-4.aspx

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic56555-3-1.aspx

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

You guys are the best source of technical information around.  The 1956 Ford service manual shows a oil trough behind the timing chain but my 1957 312 does not have the oil trough nor the screw or bolt hole to mount a trough.  I guess Ford thought it wasn't necessary.  I've decided to put it back without making any modifications to the timing chain oiling system.  I did a backyard overhaul without replacing the timing chain and gears (just rings, bearings and valve job) back in 1963 when I was a teenager and that engine was still running after 100,000 miles when I sold the car.  This engine probably won't get more than a 1,000 miles a year so hopefully it will out last me.  Thanks to all        

buddy