Joined: Fri Jan 15 2010, 08:36PM
Location: Indiana
Posts: 142
Did some adjusting and got it running good, so I'm moving on to the cooling system. The cooling system is complete and works but the hoses are dry and cracking so all of those are getting replaced. I'm also going to replace the water pump while I'm at it. While I have everything off the front I am going to replace the timing chain. Any one have any pointers on this?
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 01:10AM
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2690
Just did the timing chain in my 360 in my 87 dodge ram. Started about 10 am and was done about 5pm.
Have you done one before? Pretty straight forward.
Drain the rad and motor if you can , one of the drain plugs on the side of the block would be good.
You have to remove all the accessories, remove the 1 1/4" nut from the center of the harmonic balancer. Might be easier with the belts on so you can hold things tight to loosen the nut. I had to eventually remove the dust cover off the bottom of the tranny and then jam a small pry bar into the ring gear to hold things tight.
Then it's pull the balancer, remove all the bolts holding on the cover, don't forget the 2 under by the oil pan. Then pop the cover off and replace chain.
Joined: Fri Jan 15 2010, 08:36PM
Location: Indiana
Posts: 142
Thanks Brian, I have the radiator and all the accessories out but didn�t have a 1-1/4 socket, 95% of my tools are metric, so that is as far as I got yesterday. I have done timing chains in Toyota trucks before so I�m comfortable with the job. As long as I can get the bolt out of the crank I should be home free. One thing that I thought was odd, when I unbolted the power steering bracket from the front of the block coolant ran out of the holes, is this normal?
Joined: Tue Oct 06 2009, 09:37AM
Location: Paris, KY
Posts: 1496
fuselage wrote ... Thanks Brian, One thing that I thought was odd, when I unbolted the power steering bracket from the front of the block coolant ran out of the holes, is this normal?
Joined: Fri Jan 15 2010, 08:36PM
Location: Indiana
Posts: 142
I made some good progress this weekend. New timing chain and sprockets, water pump, power steering pump, thermostat, and the brake line that runs under the radiator. The radiator is out getting cleaned and I have all new hoses ready to go in. I just need to get new belts and power steering line and I'm done under the hood.
This is a great and heart-warming story... you're doing it right, and putting some quality love into that car. It will pay off big time positive for you in the enjoyment factor when you do drive it.
Just make sure you give the brakes as much love too, and you'll be even happier!
Joined: Fri Jan 15 2010, 08:36PM
Location: Indiana
Posts: 142
Jazzandmoparguy, Thanks, taking my time and trying to do it right and use good parts. brakes are next on the list. I have already done the booster as part of getting the vacume system right.
Joined: Fri Jan 15 2010, 08:36PM
Location: Indiana
Posts: 142
New timing chain and sprocket set.
All back together after doing the timing chain, water pump, power steering pump and hoses, belts, all the hoses, vacume lines, and a cleaned up radiator.
I got the leaf springs out of the car without any trouble.
I have all the parts ordered to do the brakes but it will be a few days before they are here. !banana