Hi everybody, I'm going to begin tearing down the front of my 01' 360 tomorrow, and I'm just trying to make sure I've got everything covered. The timing cover gasket is leaking, so, I'm going to go ahead and do the chain while I'm in there. The truck has got 180,000 miles on it, so I figure it's about time.

Right now, I've got the timing cover gaskets, crank seal, fan clutch, water pump, new bypass tube, upper & lower radiator hoses, bypass hose, all sizes of clamps, Comp Cams double roller timing set part #2103, Ultra Black RTV silicone, 2 gallons full strength antifreeze, and an oil change.

My questions are:
1) The crankshaft pulley bolt - will a breaker bar with the appropriate socket break it loose? Also, when reinstalling it, anyway to tighten to spec without jamming a screwdriver in the flywheel?
2) Silicone - what's the right amount on the timing cover gasket? One side? Both sides?
3) Harmonic balancer tool - Is the correct tool to use the "duck foot" type?
4) Be prepared for me to ask more questions, lol.

 

If you can keep the motor from turning, a breaker bar with a 1-1/4" socket will remove the balancer bolt - an impact wrench does the job much quicker and easier. When re-installing the balancer, you will need to keep the motor from turning to tighten the balancer bolt with a torque wrench.

 

I was told not to use an impact on it, something about heating the threads up too hot. Sounded bogus to me, but then again, I'm not a master mechanic lol.

 

That's about the most bogus idea I've ever heard (not using an impact to remove the balancer bolt) :-)

 

i just did the same thing on mine a few months ago, cover was leaking so i did it and the chain...i would say use the impact its a lot easier thats what i wound up doing, used the impact it comes right off and goes right back on, the duck foot type tool is in fact the one you need. and personally i didnt use rtv on the water pump gasket or timing cover one, i only rtv on the hose going into the water pump. ive heard rtv will push the gasket out of place when youre trying to set it up. i used some indian shelack kinda stuff that was pretty cheap at the auto parts store, i brushed it on both sides of the gasket, put it on the cover/pump and let it set to set for a little bit before i mounted it all back up to the motor. its been a couple months now, no leaking or issues.

 

Man, you don't know how helpful that post was. There was a death in my family yesterday morning, so I had to rush off and leave it in the garage, now I know I can just wizz the bolt right out and right back in. WHEW! This wasn't on my original post, but this timing set I ordered has an option to advance the timing 4 degrees. I've seen some other users say they've done it with good low end results. Anyone done it?

 

Advancing the cam can lead to other issues..... mainly, trying to get fuel sync re-sorted. Not sure just how much of an issue that would be...... maybe you should try it, and let us know.

 

I advanced my cam 4*, and like he says, good low end results. Don't have to reset the fuel sych., the injector timing is still in synch. with the valves.

 

I put a screwdriver throught the sprocket and into the cover when I did mine to keep it from turnin so I could break it loose and tighten it

 

If advancing 4° on the timing chain doesn't effect fuel sync, and does gain so bottom end, what is the downside of doing so?

Typically I have only read that you should not advance on the timing chain.

More input please.