Timing Chain Cover Replacement

[PackMan22]

Hey guys,

I have a 1990 5.8L AT, and I had a pretty good leak from the water pump, so I swapped it out for a new water pump and thought everything would be good. My waterpump gaskets sealed up just fine (which was my biggest concern) but I still had a big coolant leak. After some research and help from you guys, I came to the conclusion that the timing chain cover needs to be replaced, as was suggested when replacing the waterpump (but I thought I would be cheap and just do one project at a time).

Anyway, I'm far from a mechanic but was able to swap the water pump without much of a problem, is there much else I need to do to get the timing chain cover swapped? Any issues I should be aware of, or tricks that I should know about would be great. If anyone knows of a step by step for this that they could link to that would be great as well.

Thanks

 

[miesk5]

yo PM!

Replacement in an 86 5.0

Source: by slim68 at http://www.supermotors.net/registry/21207/72174Slim is replacing his chain as well

Replacement in an 86 5.0

Source: by Sixlitre (Malcolm H, Eddie Bauer) at http://www.supermotors.net/registry/4970/18193

Malcolm is replacing his chain as well; see his WP article for prev steps @ http://www.supermotors.net/registry/4970/18192

Tips by Sackman (for chain replacment & cover);

Once the timing cover is removed, stuff rags down into the oil pan to keep debris from gasket material from falling in before you start scraping. Before you remove the rags, use a shop vac to **** the gasket material up. You don't want any to make their way into the oil pump.

Inspect coolant ports of timing cover for corrosion. Specially the part that meet the engine block.

Your gonna need a harmonic balancer remover tool. Getting the front bolt out can be tricky. My method is to put the 15/16 socket and ratchet on the bolt. Have a pipe handy and position the ratchet on the drivers side to unloosen. Slip pipe onto the ratchet and rest it on the floor. Then just bump the starter. The bolt will then be loose. Make sure to remove the washer as well that's with the bolt. Not doing so, and you'll break the balancer.

Drain the oil, and leave the plug out in case coolant makes it way into the pan, it'll come out.