69S4 wrote 'or whether it's just there to save the casing from the consequences of a slack chain so normally wouldn't be in direct contact'
That is correct Stuart. There is very little space where the timing chain slips between the water pump and the inside of the front cover so if there was no slap pad, a slack chain would just wear away the cover, but because there is, it just rubs on the rubber, a replaceable item.
Types 26 / 36 wrote 'Not quite understanding you there my good friend Leslie ?: are you saying I did not know you can remove the quadrant and gear by taking off the cam cover, chain and backing off the adjuster?
No, my good friend, I was not saying that, but I think this one has gone over your head, so we will move on. And answer the phone when I call next time, make sure you are in, all the time.
Leslie