Tips for timing chain replace
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Davis, CA
Tips for timing chain replace
I plan on replacing the timing chain gears on my 79 f250 with a 400. I was wondering if there are any tips or tricks anyone knows to get this to go smoothly. I plan on maybe taking a day off of work at most, so I won't have that much time before I need to drive the truck again. I plan on buying a harmonic balancer puller, but is there anything else? Also, I only have a chain set, what gaskets will I need? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: South Central PA
Tips for timing chain replace
Go to the auto parts store and get a timing cover gasket set. It will have all the gaskets you need to replace the chain. Installation is pretty simple, long as you have a puller to take the dampner off, just the regular hand tools will do the rest. If you have power steering, A/C, smog pump, all that stuff it might be handy to make yourself a little diagram of where all the brackets and spacers and all go, if you end up taking any of them off. If it's running yet I'd take it to the car wash and clean the engine off real good, always makes it easier. Clean around the front of the oil pan too, you'll have to pull the front ( 4 I think) bolts of the oil pan, they go into the bottom of the timing chain cover.
Bill
Bill
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Joined: Apr 2000
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Tips for timing chain replace
While you're at it, make sure to get either a pre 1972 set, or get an adjustable timing set from Ford performance. The factory set is retarded by 8 degrees.
If you get the adjustable, set it to zero. This takes the 8 degree retardation out. Make sure you locate the dots on the cam and crank gears and line them up (6 o clock on the cam, twelve o clock on the crank)I did this with mine and noticed a marked improvement in low end torque.
Ed
If you get the adjustable, set it to zero. This takes the 8 degree retardation out. Make sure you locate the dots on the cam and crank gears and line them up (6 o clock on the cam, twelve o clock on the crank)I did this with mine and noticed a marked improvement in low end torque.
Ed
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Davis, CA
Tips for timing chain replace
Thats what I was planning on doin, is replacing the crank sprocket. I probably won't even replace the timing chain unless its pretty messed up. Any tips on the sprocket replace?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: SF Bay area
Tips for timing chain replace
Hey FordmanSLO, I would replace gears along with the chain while you are going to all this trouble.
Wayne 60 F-350
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Tips for timing chain replace
The timing gasket set should have a front seal I believe. Anyway, look at the surface on the damper where the seal rides. If it has a groove worn in it, the new seal will leak. But they make a thing called a speedy-sleeve you can slip over this area to repair it, and they work very well.
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Joined: Oct 2001
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Tips for timing chain replace
I have been hung up the past day or two on my 72 f100. I too, am replacing my timing chain and gears, but I can not get the damper bolt off. The entire engine turns over when I try to turn the bolt(it is an auto, so putting it in gear doesn't help). How can I get enough leverage to get this thing off? My Manual says nothing about this. thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
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Tips for timing chain replace
Hi,
You can remove the starter and put a screwdriver on the flywheel to stop the motor from turning. I have also heard of people putting a small rope in the spark plug hole to stop the piston when it reaches TDC.
With both methods, you have to be very carefull not to break a tooth or bend a valve.
I have also had some luck gently heating the balancer to ease in the removal.
Hope this helps,
-Brents
You can remove the starter and put a screwdriver on the flywheel to stop the motor from turning. I have also heard of people putting a small rope in the spark plug hole to stop the piston when it reaches TDC.
With both methods, you have to be very carefull not to break a tooth or bend a valve.
I have also had some luck gently heating the balancer to ease in the removal.
Hope this helps,
-Brents
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
Tips for timing chain replace
I would try putting a good box end wrench on it and giving it a wrap with a hammer. The engine compression is enough to hold the damper with this method.It is a little safer than sticking something in the flywheel, the last thing you want to do is break a tooth or bend your flywheel. Good Luck