Hey Fellas,

My truck: 1992 XLT Bronco 302 V8 (3 speed auto + OD)

I searched a bit, but wasn't coming up with any results that were specific enough to satisfy my situation. This all started with an exhaust valve failure and I've decided to really go for it while I was taking things apart. I'm going to install a Comp Cam, #35-255-5, based on other information I've read here (this was also the recommended cam for towing by the Comp).

I'm having a little trouble getting the timing cover off. I removed the 4 pan bolts and the bolts going into the face of the block. Unfortunately things are still a little tight down around the crank preventing the cover from sliding off.

I replaced the oil pan gasket this past winter and would rather not damage it or have to replace it if possible. I used a rubberized gasket with the metal grommets.

Do I need to further loosen pan bolts to relieve some of the pressure on the timing cover? Will I be able to retighten the bolts without having the gasket leak or are these grommets a one time tighten deal?

Can I remove the crank seal before the cover and produce some clearance that way?

Is there a better process altogether that I'm missing?

Thanks for your comments
Chris
Kalamazoo, MI

 

hey,
I did a rebuild on my 302 last winter and if I remember correctly you need to the harmonic balancer off. I believe you need to take off the waterpump too. I did because I replaced it. Hope this helps.

 

The engine is still in the truck and is stripped down the the short block. The accessories are off and out of the way as well as the belt bulley and harmonic balancer.

The cover is a little stubborn coming off. looks tight between the crank and oil pan.

 

The front pan bolts screw into the timing chain cover. I would remove the waterpump, some of the bolts screw into the block and it would make it easier removing the timing chain cover and hormonic balancer.

 

Water pump's off

 

did you remove the front pan bolts I think its four that screw into the bottom of the timing chain cover.

 

Removed 4 front pan bolts too.

 

the only thing left is it's stuck on the alignment pins in the front of the block, take a rubber hammer and see if you can work it off the pins. You also removed the two bolts in the top valleys of the timing chain cover.

 

Sounds good, I'll give it a shot.

 

Just wanted to complete the thread in case someone is searching this issue, timing cover removal, and is looking for the whole story.

I ended up loosening up all the oil pan bolts and giving the pan an easy whack. It popped off the block and relieved the pressure on the timing cover for very easy removal.

My big hesitation was rooted in the resuability of the oil pan gasket once the bolts were loosened. Replacing that gasket is a big job, I did it this winter, 16 hours, my first time.....

The replacement gasket I used is one of the rubberized items with metal gorommets at the bolt holes. I talked to my local engine builder and he said that retorquing that gasket is AOK.

Thanks for the help fellas!