Replacing Harmonic Balancer. What Else Should I Do While I'm There?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 57
Replacing Harmonic Balancer. What Else Should I Do While I'm There?
'71 350/270.
I'm going to be replacing the harmonic balancer. Is there anything else I should take care of while I'm in the neighborhood?
Thanks
I'm going to be replacing the harmonic balancer. Is there anything else I should take care of while I'm in the neighborhood?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
You don't need to remove the oil pan completely, but it's easier if you remove the first 5-6 bolts in the front of the pan
and wedge a large flat screwdriver between the pan and block on each side between the first two bolt holes.
This will lower the front of the pan approx 1/8" . Then pry the cover forward at the top pulling forward till the cover clears the lower pan seal.
Before you reinstall the cover, trim the top corners (on the cover) pan seal rail, at a 45% angle, so it will slip into place with a new rubber seal glued to it, use sealer on the pan gasket and reassemble it.
I wrote that thread a few months ago :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-pictures.html
While you're there, I would do it if I were you...
and wedge a large flat screwdriver between the pan and block on each side between the first two bolt holes.
This will lower the front of the pan approx 1/8" . Then pry the cover forward at the top pulling forward till the cover clears the lower pan seal.
Before you reinstall the cover, trim the top corners (on the cover) pan seal rail, at a 45% angle, so it will slip into place with a new rubber seal glued to it, use sealer on the pan gasket and reassemble it.
I wrote that thread a few months ago :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-pictures.html
While you're there, I would do it if I were you...
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
have you ever replace a cam?
off comes the carb, intake, valve covers, rockers, water pump, timing cover, timing changes, radiator, if A/C the condenser, dist, and I am sure I left out a bunch of stuff.....
then to put it all back together and adjust the rockers....
so no, unless you are willing to do a major break down...
P:-)
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
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From: California
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
^ yeah, it's an interference fit into the timing cover. A lot of folks screw up the timing cover by trying to pry the seal out. It will work a lot better if you use a thin, wide block of wood against the timing cover and a long pry screwdriver to pop it out. Go back and forth from at least two sides, a more even pull helps prevent bending the cover. I've seen folks drill a tiny hole in the seal and thread a screw into it to give a better purchase for a pry bar, it's tough to get ahold of it with the crank in the way.
Me, I'd pull the engine and rebuild it as a stroker. There's nothing like a balancer replacement or spark plug replacement to begin the expensive quest for high horsepower
Me, I'd pull the engine and rebuild it as a stroker. There's nothing like a balancer replacement or spark plug replacement to begin the expensive quest for high horsepower
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
^ yeah, it's an interference fit into the timing cover. A lot of folks screw up the timing cover by trying to pry the seal out. It will work a lot better if you use a thin, wide block of wood against the timing cover and a long pry screwdriver to pop it out. Go back and forth from at least two sides, a more even pull helps prevent bending the cover. I've seen folks drill a tiny hole in the seal and thread a screw into it to give a better purchase for a pry bar, it's tough to get ahold of it with the crank in the way.
Me, I'd pull the engine and rebuild it as a stroker. There's nothing like a balancer replacement or spark plug replacement to begin the expensive quest for high horsepower
Me, I'd pull the engine and rebuild it as a stroker. There's nothing like a balancer replacement or spark plug replacement to begin the expensive quest for high horsepower
im debating if its worth stroking that or getting a vortec 350 ( roller motor ) and stroking that but ive heard you have to do some grinding on the roller motors.. not sure if im down for all of that. .. and also heard its expensive to get a roller cam for a non vortec motor.... so im looking for the best bang for my buck options...
my step dads shop has the enjoine hoist and everything i need to pull and rebuild a motor which is 40 miles away.. might as well put on a balancer than drive it out there.. way cheaper than getting it towed..
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
grr all was going well untill i popped the radiator with the back of the mallet while i was tapping on the new balancer.. now i gotta replace the radiator.. oh well.. while thats out a new cam goes in.. =)
nothing like misfortune for a reason to upgrade !
nothing like misfortune for a reason to upgrade !
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
Good luck with the next upgrade !
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
couple months old , i had a tranny cooler on it so a few fins are pushed aside but it doesnt leak and it was new when i got it. I jsut went with a dewitts alum setup. $100 and its yours. where do you live?