Fox87

So if you read my earlier post, you know I broke off two of the damn bolts going through my water pump housing, through the timing belt cover, and into the engine block. If I am going to try to get these bolts free myself, I have to take off the timing chain cover. I wanted to check with you guys first and make sure this is something practical for me to do myself. My mechanic is one of those "dont do anything yourself, youre not a mechanic" guys, so I dont want to make his job any harder when he has to bail me out, but I also dont want to have to call him in if I dont have to, has anyone done this, and if so, what should I expect?

5.0stanger

You will need a harmonic balancer puller. If you can change the water pump yourself, you can do this easy.

It is just bolts out, then bolts in....basic stuff.

Fox87

Oh god, wtf is that? I will go google it.

PRO50SC

Well first, it's a timing chain cover. And depending on your skill level that will determine whether or not you can. That's only something YOU can answer.

There are 4 bolts (I believe) under the timing cover coming up thru the oil pan, remove those. The harmonic balancer will need to come off, you'll need a puller for that. Then take the rest of the cover bolts out and revove it.

5.0stanger

You can get the puller from auto zone...rent a tool program. You will have to remove a bolt from the center of the balancer that ataches it to the crank, then use the puller to remove it from the crank. The remove 4 bolts from the pan like said above, then another 6 bolts I believe that attach the cover to the block. You will need a gasket set also

Fox87

My bad, I will edit my post to saychainso I dont look like such a clown.

PRO50SC

We know what ya meant!!

88Mach1

I just removed my timing chain cover last week. I ended up breaking four of the eight bolts on the water pump. I used penetrating oil on them, and I still had to heat the timing chain cover around the bolts before they let loose. Everything else (remaining bolts, balancer, etc.) was easy. I'm putting the finishing touches on my h/c/i, and that was by far the hardest part of the whole thing.

Good Luck!!!

Fox87

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to answer my question, I know I may ask stupid ones, being as im only 17 and dont have the experience you guys do, I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me. I think I will give this a shot now that I know it is doable. Thanks again!