Timing chain

[chris_gt_74]

Originally Posted by AaronGTR

There is a GM part number for the installer, but the only place that will have one is a GM dealership and they won't rent it out to you. The crank pulley installer is a universal tool that comes in a kit that you can rent at some places, and it doesn't have a part number. There are probably a couple different brands. I don't remember who made the one I rented from advance auto. I used to know what the thread for the crank was too but forgot. It was on the inside of the tool kit next to the threaded adapter that fit my crank.

LOL. I am hoping someone has an old crank laying around or a bolt they can measure. If it's a half ass common thread and pitch I'm thinking maybe I can locate a long enough one and use a bolt and a socket. I have no idea if it will work though.

[AaronGTR]

I can tell you right now it's not a common thread and pitch. I took my crank bolt to lowes to try and find something in the hardware section because I wanted to make my own crank pulley installer instead of having to rent or buy one all the time... they didn't have anything even close. It's a specialized metric thread pitch.

If a common metric thread is an M12 x1.75, this would have been like an M12 x1.0 (not saying that's the size, just as an example). It was a shallower and finer thread than what is normally available. You'd have to order it from an online/specialty fastener company.

[chris_gt_74]

So I'm wondering if this can be fashioned to install the gear? http://www.handsontools.com/Kent-Moo...t-_p_6254.html

[HOYS]

I've never had to use a tool to install the gear onto the crank, it should slide on and off no problems.

[chris_gt_74]

Originally Posted by HOYS

I've never had to use a tool to install the gear onto the crank, it should slide on and off no problems.

Maybe I'll be lucky and not have problems.

[AaronGTR]

It might slide on and off that easy, but if GM lists a special pair of tools to remove and install it in the service manual, then I would say it isn't "supposed" to be that loose.

[geldartb]

Originally Posted by HOYS

I've never had to use a tool to install the gear onto the crank, it should slide on and off no problems.

the 99 and older ones are pressed on. the 05 stuff that was on my motor was a slide of setup.

[HOYS]

Originally Posted by geldartb

the 99 and older ones are pressed on. the 05 stuff that was on my motor was a slide of setup.

Ahhh, that would explain it.

[chris_gt_74]

Originally Posted by geldartb

the 99 and older ones are pressed on. the 05 stuff that was on my motor was a slide of setup.

Hmm so if that's the case my old one should come right off but what about the 99 style gear going on my 05 crank? Will it have to pressed on or will it slide on easily?

[geldartb]

it's been a few years since i put mine on but i think i just used a big socket and a bigger bolt to drive the sprocket on.

you don't want to hammer it on.

[AaronGTR]

You could also try like I said and heat the gear up in the oven for a while to expand the metal and make it go on easier. Warm it up good and lube the crank up good and it might go on easy. It's worth a shot, and if that doesn't work then you can look at other options.

[chris_gt_74]

I picked this up really cheap to have just in case.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KENT-MOORE-J...ht_2398wt_1037

It is the same as this one here with the exception of not have the roller bearing which I can probably substitute for a couple of big washers.

[AaronGTR]

Yeah, something like that would probably work. The thrust bearing makes it smoother, especially if you have something really stiff to press on... sometimes getting the damper hub through a new front cover seal can be hard... but you could probably do it with a couple big washers too. A little light oil on the threads and between the washers would help.

Only thing is, are you sure that tool will work on our crank? I didn't see a thread size listed anywhere in that auction. Only a tool number, and that tool number doesn't match the one in my GM manual. Mine calls for a J 39344, but doesn't specify a brand. I don't know if Kent Moore is just an aftermarket brand for the same tool or what. Anyway I hope it fits. It would certainly be a nice tool to have.

[chris_gt_74]

Originally Posted by AaronGTR

Yeah, something like that would probably work. The thrust bearing makes it smoother, especially if you have something really stiff to press on... sometimes getting the damper hub through a new front cover seal can be hard... but you could probably do it with a couple big washers too. A little light oil on the threads and between the washers would help.

Only thing is, are you sure that tool will work on our crank? I didn't see a thread size listed anywhere in that auction. Only a tool number, and that tool number doesn't match the one in my GM manual. Mine calls for a J 39344, but doesn't specify a brand. I don't know if Kent Moore is just an aftermarket brand for the same tool or what. Anyway I hope it fits. It would certainly be a nice tool to have.

I don't know but according to their website it lists 2.8L, 3.1L, 3100, 3.4L V-6 as being compatible. I'll let everyone know when I get it if it fits or not.

[chris_gt_74]

Well I got the tool in today. It's much bigger than the pics made it look. I'll let ya'll know if it works or not so if anyone wants one there is still one on Ebay for cheap. Here's a pic.

[geldartb]

damn it looked like a regular sized bolt in the other pic.

[chris_gt_74]

Originally Posted by geldartb

damn it looked like a regular sized bolt in the other pic.

I know it was a poor representation in this other pics.

[AaronGTR]

Yeah, I knew it would be pretty big. The ones in the kits I've rented have all been pretty large bolts. They really have to be. Anyway, let us know if it works.

[chris_gt_74]

Originally Posted by AaronGTR

Yeah, I knew it would be pretty big. The ones in the kits I've rented have all been pretty large bolts. They really have to be. Anyway, let us know if it works.

Well it worked great for putting on the harmonic balancer. It could really use that roller bearing though. I think it would turn better and with a little less effort. I didn't need it for the crank gear though. My one that came off wasn't press fitted but the 99 one was. I ended up taking your advice and heated it up with a propane torch for a few minutes and it slid right on. So the car is back together and sounds way better. Now I just hear a little valve train noise and those loud ass injectors and possibly a smaller header leak somewhere . I'm giving it a little time to see if I have any leaks develop. I'm hoping not though. If I develop one I'm putting my money on it being around the oil pan since I didn't drop the pan. But I did use a fair amount of rtv on the corners so we shall see.

Side note, installing a harmonic balancer is a pain in the ass! Torquing it down is even more of a pain in the ass . If it wasn't for that damn thing a timing chain change would be a piece of cake.

[chris_gt_74]

Not sure if I'll be using it again anytime soon but I bought a bearing for the tool so it should be a bit smoother to use now. Anyone interested there is one on Ebay for $30. Here's the link. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40