Crankshaft Damper Removal - 454 BB
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 109
Likes: 12
From: Fountain Hills, AZ
Crankshaft Damper Removal - 454 BB
I am replacing my timing chain and gears and the front engine seal. On the 454 BB - do I need to remove the radiator for clearance to use the tool to pull the damper or can I get by with just removing the shroud and fan? I have never used the puller tool before and don't know how much clearance i will need to use it.
Thanks/L
Thanks/L
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Half the battle of any job is just getting access to the problem. Melwff is right. Loosen the shroud first and lay it on the W.P. or bungee it back, out of the way. Then remove the rad. Then you can pull the shroud forward and out. Now you have access.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Is there anyone else who feels that the entire engine was built around the radiator???? What a stinker to get out of there. The shroud was just as stubborn. I was missing a shroud extension--didn't realize that until I took everything apart. Oh, and I found out that the water pump is original but it has the wrong 7 blade fan and fan clutch. I was extremely persistent and found an NOS 7 blade fan from Tennessee (still in the box), yippee! I still need to find an original Eaton fan clutch (343721) if anyone is interested in selling one. It has the thermal coil center, not the rectangular plate. Usually no part number on this particular part. May have and ink stamped "AX".
I love this site for valuable information and sharing. You are all just terrific. Happy New Year! Laurie
I love this site for valuable information and sharing. You are all just terrific. Happy New Year! Laurie
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
drwet said "Its actually not that hard to remove the radiator". I removed the radiator on my 68 for more clearance to make it easier to work and for safety, to reduce the risk of my clumsy hands stabbing some tool into the radiator and creating a whole new repair job.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Your biggest huddle will be sealing the timing cover to the oil pan . You will need to loosen the pan bolt almost all the way back so the pan will move down about 1/4 of an inch or you will never get the timing cover back on. I will tell you that corvettes are unique, you can drop the oil pan with the engine in the car. You may need to drop the starter but the pan will drop down and slide out the back. This will give you a chance to check bearings, maybe upgrade the oil pump and clean out any debris in there. We are talking an extra hour of work if the gasket cleans up easy and you will up your chances of getting a leak free engine.
If you chose not to drop the pan. YouTube has some good videos on how to trim some metal on your timing cover to allow it to slide in easier. If it was me and a high mileage engine, I would drop the pan
If you chose not to drop the pan. YouTube has some good videos on how to trim some metal on your timing cover to allow it to slide in easier. If it was me and a high mileage engine, I would drop the pan