How to: remove timing cover/damper/pulley - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cfan10 · 04-06-2012, 01:53 AM

I need to remove the timing cover to replace gasket. It has about two tubes of orange silicone all around it, but is extra heavy on bottom by oil pan, po did this. I tried to remove the pulley but it just turned and distributor turned, so, I turned it back.
I tried using a ratchet, is their a special tool for this.
I am a novice so what am I doing wrong? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

85 c10
305
Posted via Mobile Device

81ratrodc10 · 04-06-2012, 07:14 AM

Yes u need a harmonic balincer puller kinda looks like a steering wheel puller
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BigBlocksRule · 04-06-2012, 08:46 AM

^ yup, they're free to rent from O'Reilleys and others. You'll also need the installer, get that at the same time. Make sure you remove the big washer before you try pulling it, it won't come off until you do. Take a pic or make a mark/measurement so you'll know when it's fully on.
Be careful with the silicone, I tore down two irrigation engines last summer that the owner had gobbed the stuff on when he added the intake. A big chunk broke loose on the inside of each and both managed to hang in the oil pump intakes. Spun bearings in both of 'em before they had 40 hours on 'em.

77c10 · 04-06-2012, 09:10 AM

If I am reading this correctly, you tried to remove the bolt that hold the balancer onto the crankshaft and the crankshaft turned on you? If so, you need to get an impact wrench to loosen it or come up with some way of holding the motor so it does not turn over while you are trying to loosen it. Once you get the bolt removed then you would use a puller like 81ratrodc10 stated above.

BigBlocksRule · 04-06-2012, 09:29 AM

If you don't have access to an impact wrench (and they're tough to fit in that small space), use a ratchet with a cheater bar. Once it's broke loose, it should come out easy. Easy trick to keep the engine from turning over: remove one spark plug and stuff some rope into the hole. When you turn the engine over with the wrench (DON'T turn it over with the starter!!!), it will stop when the rope gets jammed between the piston top and the head. Just remember to remove it when you're done or you'll have more than a leaky seal to worry about!

04-06-2012, 01:53 AM	#1
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 977	How to: remove timing cover/damper/pulley I need to remove the timing cover to replace gasket. It has about two tubes of orange silicone all around it, but is extra heavy on bottom by oil pan, po did this. I tried to remove the pulley but it just turned and distributor turned, so, I turned it back. I tried using a ratchet, is their a special tool for this. I am a novice so what am I doing wrong? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. 85 c10 305 Posted via Mobile Device

04-06-2012, 07:14 AM	#2
81ratrodc10 house of chevy's Join Date: May 2010 Location: New milford, CT Posts: 583	Re: How to: remove timing cover/damper/pulley Yes u need a harmonic balincer puller kinda looks like a steering wheel puller Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1987 m1028 cucv d30 2001 chevy s10 2000 honda shadow sabre 1100 "it's going to be an interesting ride home"

04-06-2012, 08:46 AM	#3
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: How to: remove timing cover/damper/pulley ^ yup, they're free to rent from O'Reilleys and others. You'll also need the installer, get that at the same time. Make sure you remove the big washer before you try pulling it, it won't come off until you do. Take a pic or make a mark/measurement so you'll know when it's fully on. Be careful with the silicone, I tore down two irrigation engines last summer that the owner had gobbed the stuff on when he added the intake. A big chunk broke loose on the inside of each and both managed to hang in the oil pump intakes. Spun bearings in both of 'em before they had 40 hours on 'em.

04-06-2012, 09:10 AM	#4
77c10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gallatin, TN Posts: 782	Re: How to: remove timing cover/damper/pulley If I am reading this correctly, you tried to remove the bolt that hold the balancer onto the crankshaft and the crankshaft turned on you? If so, you need to get an impact wrench to loosen it or come up with some way of holding the motor so it does not turn over while you are trying to loosen it. Once you get the bolt removed then you would use a puller like 81ratrodc10 stated above. __________________ 77 C10, 6.0LS/4L80E, 3:73 12 bolt. Boss 338's 20" x 10" w/ 285/50/20 rear. 20" x 8.5" w/ 245/40/20 front. Vintage Air. Full Autometer gauges recessed in factory bezel (Thanks bigblock73!) Gm Storm Grey Metallic paint "Cool ain't ever cheap and cheap ain't ever cool"

04-06-2012, 09:29 AM	#5
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: How to: remove timing cover/damper/pulley If you don't have access to an impact wrench (and they're tough to fit in that small space), use a ratchet with a cheater bar. Once it's broke loose, it should come out easy. Easy trick to keep the engine from turning over: remove one spark plug and stuff some rope into the hole. When you turn the engine over with the wrench (DON'T turn it over with the starter!!!), it will stop when the rope gets jammed between the piston top and the head. Just remember to remove it when you're done or you'll have more than a leaky seal to worry about!



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