Rear Main Cap Question

[scottm302]

I have some damage on the rear main cap. It does not effect where the rear main seal seats or wear the oil pan seats. I am new at building engines, 1st one, and I was wondering if this type of damage will give me trouble, or if I need a new rear main cap. If I do need a new rear main cap, where is the best place to get one?

pics

http://scottpmorris.googlepages.com

 

[SVT1993]

As long as the damage is limited to the chip on the outside edge of the cap, I see no problem with it. Now if the cap is fractured (cracked thru the cap surface) you should get a new rear main cap. Have a machine shop look at the part and determine whether you need to mangaflux the part to check for cracks.

I don't see the chipped surface effecting the oil pan gasket or the rear main seal.