283 Chevy timing chain

[hairy_apple]

OK... trying to get the timing chain replaced on my 55, and I got the top sprocket off, but I can't get the bottom (crank) one off. Any tricks? I had planned to go somewhere with it tomorrow but struggled all day and failed. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Plowboy]

why are you taking the crank sprocket off? If replacing the chain the sprocket doesn't need to come off unless the teeth are warn down. (usually to a point). Are you replacing a single rail chain with a double? You do know about lining up the dimples on the sprockets for cam timing?

 

[Roboosfj40s]

People have changed timing chains without replacing the sprockets with good results provided the sprockets are near new condition. As a rule, never mix new chains with old sprockets and vice versa or you may end up with the chain slapping the cover sooner than you may like or jump timing altogether. You will need a gear puller to get the one off of the crank. As mentioned above and you may know it already, make sure when reinstalled the timing marks line up and the #1 cylinder at TDC compression stroke on a Chevy V8. If you dont and just one tooth off you will be removing your distributor and reinstalling to compensate. At one time there was a batch of Chevy came gears that were actually retarded and had to be rebroached to work but that was years ago.Good Luck!

Rob

 

[hairy_apple]

No, the sprockets are BAD. The whole thing was very worn out. Yeah, I know the marks have to be lined up, and that it has to be at TDC on the #1 cylinder. I have a gearpuller and I've been trying to get the crank spocket to come off and it won't move at all. I am REALLY close to towing it somewhere to have someone do it for me.

 

[Plowboy]

The sprokets are not machine pressed on but are a tight fit. Soak it in PB Blaster or Liquied wrench. Put on the puller, a three jaw works best, tighten down and hit the sprocket with a mallet. Retighten the puller and hit it again. It will come off. Careful not to bung up the threads on the end of the crank when using the puller.

 

[Steamer]

A little trick I've found useful for when you load up a jaw puller so much you're afraid to tighten any more for fear of breaking something. I use an air chisel with the pointed tool like a center punch. Put it on the adjusting screw of the puller. It helps if you pre-drill a little dent in the head of the adjusting screw for the chisel point to rest in. Hammer, tighten, hammer, tighten etc. It has made the difference for me often.

 

[hairy_apple]

Thanks. I will see what happens tomorrow. It's been soaking in PB blaster all day today.

 

[Cdaniel]

Try some heat with the puller

 

[Plowboy]

Try some heat with the puller

bad idea with the oil in the pan exposed

 

[Cdaniel]

bad idea with the oil in the pan exposed

I didn't say anything about fire.
Heat can be applied without a flame.