TR2/3/3A Question on spacer in Moss thin belt/damper conversion kit 837-508

[TuffTR250]

I ordered the Moss thin belt/damper conversion kit p/n 837-508 and in it is a spacer p/n TT11322. This spacer is to be pressed onto the back of the damper pulley and acts as the extension that goes into the timing chain cover on which the front seal presses to keep oil from leaking out the front of the engine. The spacer received in this kit is not smooth as I expected, since the original type pulley hub is very smooth. The spacer in the kit has a machined surface that has VERY SMALL groves going around the spacer on concentric circles, i.e. not spiral. The question I have is will these grooves cause a problem by causing deterioration of the rubber front timing chain cover seal due to the friction of the grooves?
Regards,
Bob

 

[TR3driver]

Might be a good idea to polish up that area, with some fine abrasive cloth (aka crocus cloth). But, as long as the grooves are truly circular (which seems unlikely), they probably won't damage the seal much before they wear smooth where the seal rubs.

BTW, that spacer is because the pulley/damper is from an MG ...

 

[JerryVV]

I may be mistaken but I think the timing cover seal actually rides on the pulley hub which butts up against the supplied spacer. Check the finish on the pulley hub and take some measurements to be sure.

 

[TuffTR250]

Jerryvv, per the instructions from Moss, the spacer is to be pressed onto the inner boss of the pulley with the beveled end away from the pulley and should butt up against the shoulder of the pulley. The spacer has a beveled end to help it be inserted through the seal without tearing the seal. The spacer and pulley are then squeezed onto the crankshaft using the big front bolt and special big washer that are supplied. The spacer will slid over the woodruff key and go tightly up against the oil thrower inside the timing chain cover. As a result, I believe it is important to have a spacer that is smooth and scratch free to ensure that the front seal does not leak.

BTW, I measured the outside diameter of the the spacer and it is the same as the original pulley hub. Therefore, I believe if the spacer eventually gets a groove from the pressure of the seal it would be possible to use the same Speedi-Sleeve as Moss (SKF) sells for "fixing" the original pulley hub.
Regards,
Bob