First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .........................................................................
Hi Guys, I've pulled off the entire front end in an effort to clean up some oil and coolant leaks that were driving me nuts. I had an oil leak at the timing cover crank seal and a coolant leak between the timing chain cover and the intake manifold. I want to make sure I get everything back together as tight and dry as possible, so I'm looking for a few tips: 1. Re: the timing crank seal, when I pulled the harmonic balancer I found that the old seal (that only had about 2,000 miles on it) was not seated properly - it was folded over on one edge. Not only did this result in the oil leak, but the shaft on the balancer now has a shiny ring around it where the seal meets the shaft. When I run my finger over it, I think I can feel a VERY SLIGHT yet perceptible groove on the shaft. Does this mean I need to replace the H.B.? If so, anyone have an extra one in good shape? 2. RE: the harmonic balancer, when I look online at Ames (here's a link to the Ames part: https://secure.amesperf.com/qilan/Detail_Web?part_num=FN770V) and Classic, they both show a three piece assembly: a hub, a nodular damper and an optional spacer. Mine only has the hub. Should I be alarmed that I don't have the other two parts? 3. RE: installation of the water pump and timing cover, any tips on the best way to insure a nice tight seal? Is there a better option then the standard Fel-Pro gasket set? Any gasket cement? In particular, how about the seal between the timing cover and the intake manifold? 4. RE: the water pump, although mine appears to still be in excellent condition, I hate to install a used water pump after going through all this trouble. Any particular brand or supplier for water pumps that anyone recommends? The new ones from Ames are $90 and their reman's are only $35, yet they both carry just a 90 day warranty. Sorry for the long post and all the questions. I just want to make sure I get reassembled without any leaks! Scott ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/>
