Patent ID: 8863721

Claim:
A seal alignment system comprising: an engine block formed from a first material having a first coefficient of linear thermal expansion; a cover component formed from a second material that is different from the first material and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of linear thermal expansion, wherein the cover component is spaced apart from the engine block and defines an annular channel therein and a first bore therethrough; a crankshaft protruding from the engine block and extending through the first bore, wherein the crankshaft is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and has an outer surface; an annular seal spaced apart from the engine block and defining a second bore therethrough; and an alignment device configured for coaxially aligning the annular seal with the central longitudinal axis so that the crankshaft extends through the second bore and the annular seal abuts the outer surface; wherein the alignment device includes a tube defining an interior cavity and having: an interior surface; a first portion having a first end; and a second portion matable with the first portion and having a second end spaced apart from the first end, wherein the second portion is fixedly attached to the engine block so that the second portion is not rotatable about the central longitudinal axis.