I just pulled the timing cover on my 383 and there is no oil slinger on it. Is it needed ?

If I pull one apart and it has it I use it.Ive seen quiet a few that didnt have the slinger.The new seals do a better job than they did 40 years ago.Rocky

IMO---no. The timing chain gets plenty of oil, as does the oil pump eccentric cuz its on the back side of the cam sprocket.

The slinger IS needed on small blocks though--for the oil pump eccentric.

Thanks. I will put it back together then

YES you should. EXCUSE the other responses ... they have been heavily

If you look at the proper position of the installed slinger it does what it designed to do. It cups over the seal area keeping excess oil from the seal area. New technology seals do not really require it. This is true on the big or small block engines the amount of oil slung around by that slinger's smooth back side is negligible. There is enough oil thrown off the timing chain and oil fog out of the crankcase to keep any fuel pump eccentric or any other parts well lubricated. If they would have truly wanted oil to be thrown to various places by the slinger it would have been ribbed or veined to catch and throw the excess oil.
Put it together and don't worry about it. Some had them from the factory and some didn't. Not a big deal. Had a lot of motors apart and I great many didn't have one and I have never had a problem with a seal leaking with out one.

....... .....keep em comin'

If it's main intent was to sling oil it would be ribbed or veined to catch oil to sling it. It is not it is smooth. Main purpose is to keep excessive oil that has been thrown off the timing chain and from the oil fog from the crank case for accumulating around the seal area causing a leak. No more oil is needed in this area.
To each their own belief. If you believe you need it use it. Do what you want but if you leave it off don't loose any sleep over it you will not cause a difficulties or damage.

..... all I can say is this....WHY did the engineers at Ma-Mopar call it a slinger then ?

Dam good question because it is shielding a heck of a lot more than slinging. They function to the front cover seal much like the rubber umbrella
Like I said do what you please. If you have one use it. If you have it together leave it alone unless it really bothers you.

By the mid 70's most engines small or big block never had them. If you have it use it if you dont have one run as is.

OMG ... umbrella seal .... shield ? ... ...what were you to "create" that ...


Have a ...and call CTC in the morning ...and then argue with THEM ! THAT beez the Doc's Rx !

Has ANYONE ever heard of any engine tossing its cookies and the owner saying it was because he didn't use an oil slinger???
Just the same I use it for no other reason that it makes ME feel better. I'm sure it's purely psychological.

I put my 400 together in Feb. '94. I had a slinger, but forgot to put it in. I didn't bother pulling the timing cover to install it. No problems here.