Timing chain replacement questions

[Anonymous]

Can the timing chain be replaced without removing the oil pan? My Ford service manual indicates to drop the pan. This would be a pain with engine in the car. I did a search and somebody did it without removing the oil pan, but they had an oil leak in the front of the engine. The other question is what type of puller to use to get the dampner/balancer off. Would it be the same type as a steering wheel puller?
Thanks Lowell

 

[CoupeBoy]

Once on a '66 Mustang 200 my friend had a leaking front seal, we borrowed/rented the puller from a local parts store (its not the same as a steering wheel puller). We did not drop the pan but we had to trim a small rubber gasket that went around the bottom of the timing cover at the ends where it meets with the oil pan. We appied liberal amounts of black silicone and carefully put the pan back on. That was almost 4 years ago and no leak that I know of.

-ron

 

[rbohm]

8) yes you can replace the chain on a six without dropping the pan, but you may have to loosen the pan to allow for removing and replacing the timing cover.

 

[matt1967]

Can the timing chain be replaced without removing the oil pan? My Ford service manual indicates to drop the pan. This would be a pain with engine in the car. I did a search and somebody did it without removing the oil pan, but they had an oil leak in the front of the engine. The other question is what type of puller to use to get the dampner/balancer off. Would it be the same type as a steering wheel puller?
Thanks Lowell

yes, just have to loosen the pan a little in front also. use a harmonic dampener puller, used for many things ( intended for balancers ) it has long holes in it, you put thread the correct size and thread bolt into the balancer pulling holes, but also through the puller holes, turn the tightening screw until it goes in the end of the crank, then hit it with a impact wrench to pull it off. you may need to clean up the crank bolt threads after, from the puller.

 

[JackFish]

I got a timing chain gasket kit that had a gasket cut the right size for that type of job.
And pay careful attention to torquing the cover.
It is easy to squish it too much, don't ask... :roll:

 

[fordconvert]

I think it depends on your puller, some steering wheel pullers just have 2 slots and you may not be able to catch 2 holes on the crank. Some pullers have 4 holes (3 in a y and 1 to be straignt) to increase your chances of catching 2 or more bolt holes. A buddy bought one from harbor freight for $9 that came with 3 or 4 ends and like 20 some bolts... Im sure its not gonna work 100 times but for the 1 or two times the average diy'r needs one with a little grease on the threads it will proabbly work.

 

[Anonymous]

Lowell66, check the end of your harmonic balancer for wear. If there is a ridge where the oil seal rides around it, get a Speedy-Sleeve and slide it on the harmonic balancer. It will prevent a future oil leak.
Ken

 

[Anonymous]

Hi-if the timing chain cover is cracked, can this crack cause damage or leaking? The crack is due to the previous owner over tightening one of the screws and a piece broke off...exposing the screw. Fortunately it is not one of the screws to hold the oil pan.