Middle timing cover

[bubbs609]

Since my SHO didnt come with middle or lower timing covers I had to get them installed to prevent any further damage that has already been done to the CPS/crank timing gear. I didnt have any issues installing the lower cover, but I am having a huge issue trying to install the middle cover. It seems no matter which way I come in from, it just doesnt want to squeeze in there. There is a damper that seems to be in the way, but I cant seem to figure out how to remove it to slip the middle cover on. I am posting a picture of the damper I am talking about. Is there an easier way to get the middle timing cover on?? Thanks.

 

[jimtash]

It goes on first. And take the shock off.

 

[bubbs609]

How do I take the shock off? Doesn't look like I can reach the bolt holding it on.

 

[jimtash]

You take the entire assembly off. Three nuts on the strut tower and the one bolt connecting the bottom of the shock to the engine bracket.

 

[bubbs609]

Why does it have to be so difficult? I guess I can do that now that I have her all apart. I might as well put it on since I had to buy it and ship it to me. The previous owner I guess took the middle and lower covers off and never replaced them. Blew the cps and bent all the vanes on the crank gear as well. so, the middle goes on first, then the top then the bottom?

Also, which way to the washers go on down by the crank gear and lower timing cover? I think there are 2 washers??

 

[jimtash]

There are no washers.

 

[bubbs609]

Maybe not washers, but spacers I guess? It either goes inside the lower timing cover or the outside. But I'm wondering if there is one that goes on before the crank gear as well?

 

[jimtash]

No washers on the crank.

There are metal spacers in the covers that the bolts go through. They prevent the bolts from cracking the covers.

 

[AREA 91]

Do you mean the curved washer that goes over the crank snout?
This is to keep the timing belt from walking off the crank sprocket.
You will see that it has a curve to it.
The order of assembly is:
Crank sprocket/shudder wheel
Timing belt
Curved washer )belt crank
Crank Dampener
Tighten crank bolt to 100 ft lbs minimum
I prefer to put a little locate on the bolt

 

[itwonder]

Clueless mechanics will try to take off the the covers from the top down, breaking the middle cover as they force it off. Then they will toss them. As noted, the middle cover comes off last.

 

[bubbs609]

Yes, spacers is what I meant to say. Originally I put the spacer in the wrong spot and it did crack the lower cover but it's still salvageable. Thank you for that order, that is what I will do. I do not have a torque wrench so I may have to find an impact and get it on there as tight as possible. But first, I will have to get that middle cover on this time instead of being lazy again.

 

[Devin]

The spacers on the timing covers are permanently attached.

 

[bubbs609]

The spacers must have come off somehow becuase they are just laying around in the box the covers came in. I think there were 2 of them. The first time I put the spacer on, I put it on the wrong side of the lower cover and when I tightened the bolt, it cracked the cover. So, I guess it goes inside the cover, not the outside.

I got 2 of the 3 nuts off, still cant get that bolt loose to get that whole entire assembly off. I find it is easy to take all of these parts apart, I am just nervous about putting everything back together properly lol.

 

[bubbs609]

I am hoping that liquid wrench will help me with that pesky bolt that i cannot get any leverage on. Thats the only bolt holding me from getting the middle timing cover on.