need help
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
need help
hi guys
I have a 79 with the L88 engine that the timing chain broke. I was told that I need to pull the engine to get the oil pan off. I am looking for some advice. This is a new challenge for me, I hope I am not in over my head.
I have a 79 with the L88 engine that the timing chain broke. I was told that I need to pull the engine to get the oil pan off. I am looking for some advice. This is a new challenge for me, I hope I am not in over my head.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
Oil pan is a breeze to get off of our C-3's. Like Pauls picture shows just undo the steering arm from the frame and slide it out of the way and that oil pan will fall clear with no problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
2 bolts that hold the idler arm to the frame- pass side, the nut that holds the power ram rod to it's brace, there's cut outs to hold the rod while you remove the nut, at inner brace point, the rod slides out easily, starter and rear splash shield, then you can pull it on it's mounts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
My question is, if the timing chain broke while the engine was running, could there have been any damage to the engine? Maybe that's why they recommended that you pull the engine. Can't believe anyone would tell you to pull the engine just to remove the oil pan so you can remove the timing chain cover. As others have said, drop the idler arm and the oil pan will come off. You will also need to remove the fan, water pump, crank pulley and the harmonic balancer (get a loaner balancer puller from AutoZone or Advance Auto) to get the timing cover off.
While you have the oil pan off, get a Felpro one piece blue gasket seal. The are so much easier to put on.
While you have the oil pan off, get a Felpro one piece blue gasket seal. The are so much easier to put on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
suggest changing your harmonic balancer at the same time, if it's old. you'll need http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRO-66514/ (also need it to get to the timing chain)
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 361
Likes: 9
From: Dresser WI
I don't believe you need to remove the oil pan to do a timing chain. Pull the alternator, fan, Water pump, balancer and the timing chain cover will come off with a little coaxing. When putting it back on you will need to trim the bottom seal flange some to get it back on.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
There will be pieces of the plastic timing gear that will be in the bottom of the pan, if you don't remove the pan and clean the pieces out, they will be sucked into the oil pump pickup and possibly damage the motor from lack of oil pressure.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
The blue Fel-Pro one-piece pan gaskets are so easy to install and really seal better than the cork side rail gaskets with the neoprene end pieces. I wouldn't try to remove the timing cover, let alone replace it, without dropping the pan. And like Mark-Ia said, there could very well be pieces of the plastic timing gear in the bottom of the pan (sump).
But if the engine was running and you have bent valves, or pushrods, etc. the motor has to come apart. Easier to do in the car, or out? You have to make that determination.
But if the engine was running and you have bent valves, or pushrods, etc. the motor has to come apart. Easier to do in the car, or out? You have to make that determination.