300CID 1966 / remove timing cover

[Vincent72]

Hello all,

I need to change the timing cover of my old 300CID skylark because water leak on the top of the timing cover ( used & broken ! )
My question is : to remove the harmonic balancer need I use a special tool ?
Is the bolt in the center of the harmonic balancer difficult to remove ?

And if you have some tip-off don't hesitate to write your experience of that

Best regards to all

Vincent
( sorry for my english )

[raycow]

The torque spec for the harmonic balancer bolt is 140 lb-ft minimum. This means you will need a helper in order to loosen it. Remove the bellhousing bottom cover and have your helper use a prybar against one of the ring gear teeth to keep the flywheel from turning while you loosen the bolt. If you have a manual transmission with a full-circle bellhousing, remove the starter to get access to the flywheel teeth.

You may need a puller to get the balancer off the crank, but it shouldn't be extremely tight.

Ray

[Vincent72]

Thanks a lot, Ray, for these informations !!!

I by the chassis service manual 1966 of the car but they explain nothing about how to remove the harmonic balancer.
( or I don't find it in the book )

I have another question:
Is the bolt on the harmonic balancer with a conventional threads ?
I mean you turn counterclockwise to remove it ?
Because sometimes on special cars the threads of the big bolt is clockwise to remove it.

I'm ordering an Harmonic balancer puller for my Buick.

The engine is not out of the car so it is possible to "easily" remove the bell housing bottom cover
with the engine in the car ?

lock the engine crank with an other solution ? ( gear on park ? )

Thanks for your help I'm a beginner in mechanical works : )

Best regards to you and sorry again for my english (My mother tongue is french )
Vincent

[raycow]

Vincent, you didn't miss anything. I couldn't find any instructions in the manual for removing the harmonic balancer either. The bolt has right-hand threads. Turn it counterclockwise to remove it.

The bellhousing cover is not difficult to remove with the engine in the car. It is a non-structural part stamped from thin sheet metal. Raise the car on blocks or jackstands if you need more clearance to work under the transmission.

If you have an automatic transmission, I can't think of an easier way to hold the crankshaft from turning. The Park position on the shifter locks only the transmission output shaft, not the engine. Remember, you can run the engine in Park.

There is absolutely no need to apologize for your english. I have no trouble at all understanding what you are saying.

Ray