I have a 350 that has been leaking out of the timing chain cover from around the harmonic balancer. I was using a pretty old timing chain cover and in an effort to cover all my bases I went to the largest GM dealership we have in Memphis and asked for a new timing chain cover to fit that motor.
The guy first said that that part had been discontinued, but then found he could cross reference it. He came back with a stock-looking cover, only it didn't have the timing tab welded on. I asked Stumpy about this and he said that they had changed it from the factory. I was confused, and asked how we were to now time a 350. He left and game back with a bolt on timing tab. It was chrome. I was upset and noted that both pieces were stamped "Made in Taiwan". I was pretty upset and asked if these were authentic GM parts or just some crap he was trying to pass off. He got mad back and asked me if I saw the sign above the door that said "GM PARTS". I nodded and he asked if I saw his patch on his shirt that said "GM PARTS". I nodded.
I had to pay a total of $64 for the cover and tab.
I put 'em on and the cover leaked.
I retimed it this last weekend using the tab he supplied and it is way out of time and backfires now.
I'm pretty upset. Please learn a lesson from my experience and don't trust anyone. If you think you're getting shafted, then you most likely are.
-B.