Firebird_305

Hey guys! So I looked in the hour book to see how long it would take to replace the timing chain and gears and according to book time it will take 5 hours
I am very confused by this because I have done plenty of them before (mainly cavaliers) and don't usually take me that long. Is there a certain way that you HAVE to go about doing this? I am upset to hear that the timing chain will take me the longest of all the things I have to do!

Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

Well you can't compare our cars to a front wheel drive car.

Not sure if you have to drop the front of the oil pan to get the cover of the timing chain off. That would make it a large job. I know you have to take everything off the front of the block. That's going to take a while

Firebird_305

Yeah I know they aren't nearly the same, I was just shocked to see the 5 hour job for it. I have read that some engines require you to drop the front of the pan because there are two bolts that are held up behind the pan (I believe that's what I remember, I have it bookmarked). So I am basically looking at disassembling the front of the motor? Remove the pulleys and start pulling everything off till I get to the timing chain? One last question, the timing chain is like every other one correct? Line up the dots and call it good? I looked around and saw many different things that confused me. I tried finding a "how-to" thing to see for pictures and such, but had no luck.

I do appreciate the help!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

I just looked in my helm manual

this is what it says

Raise engine
Remove oil pan
lower vehicle
remove coolant pump
remove power steering pump
remove torsional damper
disconnect lower radiator hose
remove front cover
remove oil seal
place number 1 piston at DTC
remove camshaft sprocket and chain

installation is reverse of removal

Firebird_305

Awesome thank you very much 58mark! I greatly appreciate the help you provided! Makes this job tons easier now knowing exactly what needs to be removed.

RBob

iTrader: (1)

Not sure why the Helms states that the pan needs to be removed. Maybe the guy that wrote that section recalls the SBC set ups.

The one time I did a 3.1L timing chain the oil pan wasn't touched. Although, there may have been two bolts up through the pan into the timing case cover. But I know I didn't remove or even drop the front of the pan.

RBob.