Timing Cover Removal

[gyrhead]

Hi Guys,
Replacing the oil pump and timing chain on our high mile 87 GN. Timing cover is loose, but seems to be hanging up at or near the crank sensor. I can't see or feel any hidden bolts on the cover, feel confident they are all removed. What's cooking? crank sensor and bracket need to be removed too?

Quick inputs MUCH appreciated!

Tom

 

[TurboBuRick]

I think one of the crank sensor bolts goes all the way through to the block. No?

 

[gyrhead]

All Set

Turns out there was some surface rust on the lower pin that was holding tight to the crank sensor bracket - thereby clamping the cover to the block. Walked the crank sensor bracket off the pin (a real bi-otch) and timing cover came right off.

Now, on to to the real tasks. Even with the tensioner, the original timing chain is loose as the proverbial goose - with nearly a inch of slop! Seems excessive....

Despite our best efforts at cleaning the outside of the cover, there seems to be no way to prevent gasket crud and 20 years of accumulated external "mung" from falling into the pan, particularly when the block surface is cleaned. I guess it's pan removal time. The good news is that the motor is clean inside - with no sludge.

And I thought our 428CJ Cougar was tough to work on - man this Buick puts up a good fight! Tight access clearances, a bewildering array of metric and standard fasteners make it, umm, interesting.

Tom

 

[MeanBuicks]

The other good thing about removing the oil pan is you'll have an easier time with the front of the pan gasket. That is if you put the timing cover back on first, then reinstall the pan.