Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 261 engine - cracked front crank end cap

You are zeroing in on comparing the fitment. But the concern is not with how the front face of the cap aligns with the front face of the block (which is why there is a gasket). It is about how the cap positions the lower bearing shell with respect to the upper bearing shell in the block. You will need to pull the crank gear to inspect it.