I'm pretty sure this is the cover I'm running - reverse rotation with a pump cutout.  With the potential for windage induced leakage at the dipstick hole I installed a dipstick in the pan and blocked the hole on the cover.  https://lmr.com/item/LRS-6019D/79-85-Mustang-50l-58l-302-Carbureted-Timing-Cover?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp&sc_intid=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZK1BhDuARIsAAy2VzuIDTh06m9flbfLQ1-czgjrjwdC3-ycHqjvhzJSwQGRcTdMxoZQ41EaApy0EALw_wcB

I think a 1985 5.0 (carb'd) timing cover will fit the bill if you have one sitting around.

With a 24" radiator and a 91 Mustang fan setup it has never moved above 182 degrees.  I have a March pulley setup and the March basic system does run the pump at a higher speed (overdrive) but I don't think that really affects my cooling.

Thanks for the link, Gary. The picture shows that one conpared to what is already on the car.  I see zero difference.   What do you guys think?


free image hosting website

GPatrick wrote:

Not sure I would trust photos posted in ads.  

 
I thought of that, too, Gary. I might give them a call Monday. Typically the reverse rotation pumps have ports angled the other way.

This is the stock ‘92 timing cover and a stock replacement water pump for a ‘92 Mustang.

As I recall, reverse rotation water pumps (CCW) have a round hole on the backing plate and the hub has a different bolt pattern for smooth pulley.

Hope this helps.

E5AE

Last edited by Nos681 (7/27/2024 9:23 PM)

I noticed a subtle difference in the top photo - I would assume that the water pump holes would have to be in the same orientation as those in the cover to allow proper coolant flow and to avoid leaks - unless, maybe, the pump has round holes.

Last edited by John Ha (7/28/2024 10:09 AM)

The 92 Mustang 5.0L and the 97 F250 5.8L are both EFI and reverse rotation water pumps.

Still using the 92 cover that was on the car from factory.

I believe the primary difference will be the water pump and the vane direction.

RTM wrote:

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen covers that had the fuel pump mounting but did not use it. I could have sworn I had seen block off plates and others that were never machined for the fuel pump but could be machined. What I’m really uncertain is if any were reverse rotation or not.

When I did a little searching I discovered this is more common than I ever thought it was. Which leads me to think if they hadn’t found a solution then is there any solution at all?

Yeah I feel the same thing, I was thinking the first Fox Mustangs in 79 or so that had carbs, but serpentine belts.

Found it! https://lmr.com/item/LRS-6019D/79-85-Mustang-50l-58l-302-Carbureted-Timing-Cover No dipstick hole though
 

I have a pile of gaskets.  I need to get them out and match them to the timing cover to see if there are any differences

I have not seen that timing cover comparison John.
Thanks.

I did run across this from CVF…

https://support.cvfracing.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058972694-Small-Block-Ford-Tutorial

Regarding that info from CVF, I have a couple of foxbody electric fuel pump style reverse rotation covers. Both have exactly the same port configuration as all of the standard rotation older covers I have, and have ever seen.   So, like their crank and water pump pulleys that rub on each other on my 331, I think they are providing flawed information. There is no difference in the port configuration of foxbody efi covers and 66-73 Mustang covers.

That chart showing all the different timing covers has been around a long time, and I think it created a lot of confusion that still abounds.

My research on actual parts with known pedigree is good enough for me to eliminate any need to get a different timing cover. I firmly believe one does not exist for carb with any different ports than what they always came with. I am open to anyone who can show me otherwise.

I would take a closer look at the water pump water passageways and impeller.

As viewed with backing plate removed, the passageways appear to indicate what direction the rotation should be.

The 351w EFI timing cover is different than my 92 foxbody and 65 289 covers.
It has reverse rotation and the oval shaped backing plate to make it more confusing.

Hope this helps.


1965 water pump (standard rotation- v-belt- used on 289)


1987 Mustang (EFI reverse rotation-smooth pulley-round hole backing plate)


1997 F250 351w (EFI reverse rotation-smooth pulley-half oval backing plate)