Tach Generator Gap?

[Dad]

Hi All

I just had to service my tach generator and in doing so found the lock plate missing (C15918) and a small gap, as pictured, between the intake manifold housing/cylinder head and the tach generator. Given the fact that the lock plate is missing, I worry that something else might not be quite right. Isn't the cam cover supposed to be sealed?

Thanks,

Dom

[bitsobrits]

There is an O ring on the cylindrical part of the TG that provides the seal to the cam cover/cyl head. There is no gasket on the large flat face of the TG. No lock plate is not a big deal, as many use low strength Loctite or similar on the three retaining screws.

Modifying a ball end hex key by heating and bending to form a short legged "L" on the ball end and using socket head screws (if not fitted already) makes the removal and tightening of those retaining screws much easier.

[Dad]

Many thanks, Steve. Reassuring.

[abowie]

The locking plate is probably missing because it can be very tricky to fit.

I glue it to the tach generator with a bit of super glue before it fit the generator.

[chrisfell]

My engine doesn't have a locking plate, and hasn't for the last 20nyears and over 80,000 miles. Not sure it was ever needed. The securing Allen head screws have shakeproof washers.