Is it supposed to slide over that sleeve that is behind the balancer on the crankshaft? Can't seem to get it to slide over it because the seal keeps catchin on it.

 

No you have to pull the sleeve off then put the cover on first.

 

I can't even get the cover off.

 

The sleeve is stepped, the end by the balancer is bigger than the seal. So you need to pull off the sleeve, sometimes they can be hard to get off but they're made to slip on without force.

 

it looks like its connected to a disk behind the timing chain cover

 

That's the oil slinger and it slides off after the spacer is removed. Even with the timing cover seal REMOVED that is a impossibly tight fit between the cover and spacer. You can try to dislodge the seal from the inside of the timing cover. That should help remove it from the spacer. You can then cut the seal off the spacer Your going to need a new timing cover seal also. I'm surprised you got the cover on that far. It's aluminum I'm sure you know so be careful when your removing it as not to crack it. This is a critical seal area and spacer should be new or good used, and the seal new. If there is a groove worn into the spacer there is a repair sleeve you can buy to slip over it.

G.

 

any ideas anyone? Still can't get it off.

 

Did you try to remove the seal in the TC? That might give you just enough room to gently tap the cover off with a rubber mallet.

 

Did you get the sleeve off? If you didn't you'll never get the cover off and you can't get a new seal over it. If the sleeve is still on try penetrating oil tap around it with a hammer while you're pulling on it. If thats no good try heat. If thats no good drill a series of 3/16" holes along the outside of the keyway and split the sleeve with a chisel and get a new one.

 

I don't think I'd like to be beating on the snout of a crank with a chisel. Personally I'd break the timing cover before I did that and just get another cover. Rock and a hard spot....

G.

 

Good point but I didn't mean with a BIG hammer. I would have cut it off with a wiz wheel but I 'm not sure what kind of tools he has. Drilling or cutting along the keyway the spacer should split pretty easy enough to break the seal and get it off.

 

Use a bearing splitter on the step down area of the sleeve, a few wacks with a slide hammer it should come off.

 

The balancer is held on with a keyway that may have bonded itself to the crank...a not uncommon occurance. It is a tight fit from the get go.

 

I've never had to cut one but this guy seems stuck. I've been an FE guy since I was 17 my first car was a Merc with a 410. I've had them stick myself but...pullers heat oil...they always come off. I'd love to see a picture.

 

The spacer is what I can't get off. The balancer is off.