Whats the best way to remove the crank dampener from a 170/200 so you can get the timing cover off? Thanks Jim
you need to use a puller. if you don't have one they usually can be borrowed from your local checker or auto zone. might have to leave a deposit, but you usually get it all back.
Remove the bolt first and take off the washer, reinstall the bolt to use as a push point for the puller screw. Some pullers come with a slug to put in the crank to serve the same purpose. It is recommended to use an installer to put the dampener back on too but if you make sure the crank snout and key are clean and free of burr's(same goes for the inside of the dampener and it's keyway) should be able to reinstall it using the bolt and washer. Be sure and lube the threads and face of the washer with some oil. Sometimes racers use lok-tite. If you don't use an impact wrench, you will have to find a way to hold the crankshaft from turning, several ways to do this but the impact is perfered method for me. Check the dampener hub surface that goes in the front seal, for grooves and nicks. These will tear up a new seal or in the case of grooving, will leak. Also check the rubber bonding to see if it is deteriating and cracking or bulging. New ones are fairly cheap and saves buying a radiator, hoses, and other components, if the outside ring comes off. Just for info, when my young son built his first drag car, 84 Mustang, he was racing side by side with a Cheby and heard a loud thud at the finish line. In the pits, found a dent in the drivers door, Cheby driver came over and apologized for losing the outside ring of his dampener. Not two weeks later, had another race with another car and same thing happened, only this time hit the track and flew into the shutdown area grass. Nuff said.
Thanks for the info. Finally got the bolt to break loose with a 3 foot cheater and breaker bar. Will pull it tonight when I get home.
Dave you got my attention! I am going to buy a new damper for my motor and get that 23 year old stocker off there. I have never used an installer to put them on, maybe I've gotten lucky and not had one that was difficult? (Then, I've only done it two times so far)
