Timing Chain Cover
 

Recently I have had to replace my front timing chain cover on my engine. From the number stamped into the engine just above the starter, I have surmised that it is from a 64 fairlane (its a 289). I bought a timing chain cover from cal-mustang, but accidently got it for a 63-66 falcon. Everything looks like it matches up ok, but my water pump will not fit up to it. It seems as though the holes for where the coolent enters and exits are closer together and requires a smaller water pump. This is not really a big deal, but it has made me wonder, if the water pump does not fit, will it match up in back? Is there going to be any problem with the fuel pump/fuel pump eccentric? I have a one piece eccentric on right now. Any help on this would be much appreciated.

Can't say i've run into this one before.

Seems maybe you have 260 front cover.

The eccentric should still be in the same location for your fuel pump. Either way see if theres tension on the pump arm when you hold it up into the cover.

I would take the water pump to the parts house and ask to see a 260 water pump. If I had the cover on already, I would just buy the matching water pump.

Tell us what happens.

over the years ford has used a number of different water pumps on the small block engines. the timing covers all interchange, including the 351w cover, but the problem you are having is the timing cover you got uses the early aluminum water pump which is smaller than the cast iron pump. you can either buy an aluminum pump or goto the later cover that uses the iron pump.