I stayed up until 2:00 AM last night installing the timing chain, timing chain cover and balancer. I finished that job up last night. I have been taking pictures of my progress but haven't had time to update my web site (I would rather be spending time on the engine itself).

I installed the cam "straight up." With my crank in the position of TDC I placed the crank sprocket on so that the "0" was pointing straight up. The keyways on the crank were NOT pointing straight up they were in about the 2:00 position. The dot on the cam sprocket and the "0" on the crank sprocket were pointing directly at each other. I torqued the ARP cam bolts down to 30ft lbs of torque. So does it sound like I did a correct installation?

I used some black RTV sealant on the timing chain cover gasket and torqued down the nuts to 7ft lbs of torque each. The book says that I will have to re-torque these bolts once the gasket starts to "relax"(after running the engine). By the way, I highly recommend a stud kit for your timing chain cover....makes the installation so much easier.

The balancer was a bugger to get on. I coated the snout of the crank and the inside of the balancer with anti-sieze and taped it on. Once I had it on far enough I used the balancer bolt and washer and cranked it on that way. Here was the scary part. I was cranking the balancer on using the bolt and washer method when I felt a "snap." I was like "don't tell me I just snapped the balancer bolt off in the crank :(." I tried backing it off when the socket fell off of my rachet. Here is what I found:



You don't realize how relieved I was to find out that it my 1/2" to 3/8" reducer that broke(no it wasn't a Craftsmen) and not the balancer bolt. I went into Sears today and got another 1/2" to 3/8" reducer. I still have to torque the balancer bolt down to 85ft lbs. tonight (couldn't do it last night because I didn't have a reducer :) ).

FYI I am glad I chose not to use the stock balancer bolt, I have a Mr. Gasket grade 8 balancer bolt. That would really suck to have a balancer bolt break off on you :(.

I'm still waiting for my heads to get back from the machine shop. I'm still shooting for Easter time to have the engine completely assembled and in the car. However I will not rush myself to complete this goal. I've waited this long I can wait a little longer.

I guess tonight I'll continue gasket matching my intake manifold. Just thought I would toss you guys an update. Thanks for all of your help through this entire project, it really means a lot to me. :cheers:

 

I remember when I finally saw some head way and it made the project all that more addictive. :yesnod: :yesnod:

 

Sounds like you are making good progress :smash: :cheers: :cheers: :cool:

 

Bence, you got it going on dude...I bet you just stand back looking at it dreaming for the day to come to lay the rubber to the ground..got to love them cubes..good luck on each step
Neil in tenn