Timing chain change

[max]

Well, while vette now sits inna garage , waitin' for pick up coil , I think I have to do it now.You all know how it is good to drive your vettes , so that's why I haven't done it yet . It is not really easy job but I've read an article from a link I got from you guys , it can be done with the engine in car and a day or two for a likes of me should be reserved .

Only question that I got . The front plate that covers the engine front has a lower lip which is covered by a oil pan . Pro guys cut the edges of it , modify it and in doing so they don't have to take the oil pan off . Then they use some silicone sealant to plug it shut. Personally I kinda wouldn't want to cut anything , as I may cut it wrong ... you know So It is easier for me to take the oil pan off .
But is there enough space for oil pan to go down to ease the front cover out ??
I have a crane too , so there is possibility to lift the engine a bit ..
But there are a lot of different tubing , which might get bent ...
So what's the best solution ?
Maybe some of you older guys been there done that ? and can spare an advice?
Thanks in advance
max

 

[vette-dude]

Max,

The job can be done without removing the oil pan I think. I believe the timing cover is attached as are all small block covers. All you should need to do is loosen the oil pan bolts along the rail and pull the pan down enough for the lip to clear. Before reinstallation there are two winged areas on the timing cover flange that need to be ground down to ease re-install. Use a good quality hi-temp RTV at the edges of the pan and timing cover where you ground the wings off and button it up. I would replace the timing chain and gear set with a tru-roller type. To get the crank gear off the snout just use a chisel and ball peen and make the gear break. It is easier than trying to use a gear puller to get it off.Also check the crank snout to see if there is a groove and if so get a speedi-sleeve to to renew the crankshaft surface. Pretty straight forward. You will need a harmonic balancer puller and some patience to remove all the stuff just to get to the cover. Be sure to replace the timing cover gskt also. Be sure also that you align the marks on the gears correctly per the shop manual and gear instructions. Have fun.

Randy

 

[G Winter]

I have replace timing gears many times without droping the pan.
The front cover has to be tipped forward to pop the bottom lip out.
to get it back in you have to cut the inside of the corners off to be able to get it to slide in under the block. This works but you could have a problem with an oil leak if you don't get all the oil cleaned off the block, pan , and front cover before you apply the silicone. I find that brake cleaner works the best for this. good luck.
Glenn