leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

[Bruce W.]

Hey Guys,
Question can the seal that the harmonic balancer goes thru be replaced with out taking off the timing chain cover.
thanks.
Bruce

[Paul D.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Yes, but be prepared for this job. You should have a proper balancer puller on hand as well as a balancer repair sleeve in case yours has a wear groove cut in it. A new seal goes without saying, however I will remind you to put oil on the rubber part of the seal and where it rides on the balancer. Some like to put some sealer around the outer part of the seal where it fits into the timing cover, but I have found that the paint on the seal does a pretty good job of sealing. Since I have limited experience with the older small blocks, does your 327 have a balancer retaining bolt? Some older, non HP small blocks do not and may not have a threaded hole in the crank. If not, others will need to advise as to how to reinstall the balancer. The tool I have threads into the center hole to pull the balancer back on. Also, be prepared to remove some radiator shrouding to allow space for removing the balancer. Chip.

[Jim L.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Something else to consider is the possibility of distorting the timing cover by the force of driving the new seal in place.

Every time I've changed the front seal, I've had the timing cover on my bench and have backed up the seal area of the cover with a block of wood. This eliminates any possibility of bending/warping the cover.

I'll admit I've never tried changing the seal with the cover on the engine. But I can envision the potential for damage if the force needed to drive the seal home is high enough.

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Something else to consider is the possibility of distorting the timing cover by the force of driving the new seal in place.

Every time I've changed the front seal, I've had the timing cover on my bench and have backed up the seal area of the cover with a block of wood. This eliminates any possibility of bending/warping the cover.

I'll admit I've never tried changing the seal with the cover on the engine. But I can envision the potential for damage if the force needed to drive the seal home is high enough.

Jim

Jim------


I agree. I do not see how the seal could be removed, let alone installed, without somehow distorting the timing cover if the cover is mounted on the engine. Distorting the cover virtually guarantees a subsequent leak.

[Joseph L.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

This is not a problem and it is easy! No hammering.
Joe

[Mark E.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Super! Thanks for sharing Joe. Did you invent this process?

[Bruce W.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Joe, i think you are saying that I can change the seal with out taking off the cover right?
Bruce

[Paul D.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Excellent presentation! Thanks for sharing!

[Bill M.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

i have used a piece of brass pipe roughly the diameter of the seal slather the seal in oil or grease. put the seal into the cover by hand and the push it in with the brass pipe and lightly tap it with a hammer if needed.

[Rich G.]

[Joe L.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

This is not a problem and it is easy! No hammering.
Joe

Joe------


I cannot view this file as I do not have MS Office. Can you post it in some other format?

[Dan B.]

Re: leaking timing chain cover 1965 327

Joe------


I cannot view this file as I do not have MS Office. Can you post it in some other format?

Here you go. Nice write up from Joe's Garage.

Interesting idea!