1969 Plymouth Fury III ep26

I attempt to readjust the timing cover while the engine is still in the car. This does not go well for me. The struggle is real, all things are pointing to a third engine pull. That is totally normal right?
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[@richjordan9375]

I went through my engine rebuild manuals, including the 1971 factory service manual. Interestingly, the FSM does not call for the loose bolt and center on the harmonic balancer, but every single aftermarket book does. They also have you do that before the oil pan is in place. I would try loosening the pan bolts before I went to the trouble of pulling the engine again. Your pan gasket and especially the half moon rubber part under the timing cover get compressed when you tighten those screws in; when you remove the timing cover the half moon was basically allowed to decompress because it’s new and still very flexible and elastic. I would not trust just the two screws to have enough grab to pull the timing cover down but I bet if you loosen the pan screws a couple of turns each you will get the room you need to get the timing cover start bolted in.

[@rustaholic9029]

Thank you Rich for the details. I will be using this approach this time around. Makes total sense to me and I feel that was my mistake on the last round. Cheers.

[@timothyrondo5808]

unfortunately you're getting real good pulling that engine. good luck with the timing cover 👍

[@rustaholic9029]

That is true, just pulled it for the third time. I pretty much can do this by memory now. I have my system dialed.

[@bernhardfahrni2336]

After removing all plugs, I think the engine should rotate a lot easier.

[@rustaholic9029]

Yes, that made it a lot easier. I am happy to report I didn't hear anything. I think the cover may be the only issue. We will see very soon.

[@sirmister4411]

Your whole problem is the rubber on the oil pan seal most people just loosen the oil pan so it drops just a bit then you can line up the cover tighten it up then tighten up the oil pan bolts. Some just trim the rubber on the oil pan with a razor blade to thin it out and cut of the tabs then use rtv on it.

[@rustaholic9029]

Yeah, I didn't take the oil pan into consideration when I decided to replace the cover in the car. Unfortunately I sealed that pan really well. It wasn't budging for nothing. lol

[@RalphTempleton-vr6xs]

Why would you not replace the seal after having gone to the trouble of pulling the timing cover? Is that the last one ever made? Pretty cool car, imo one of the most overlooked engines in the Chrysler lineup. Had a 70 fury III with the 318. Solid mill.

[@rustaholic9029]

Totally fair. I didn't replace it this time because I had already replaced it a few months back. So I the unit was new. I was just concerned it may have been warped or something being off center for minute. But seems it was still fine.

[@dennisthomas4766]

put your oil pan bolts in first and run them both down but don't torque them and put your remaining bolts in then run them flush and tighten oil pan bolts and then tighten timing cover bolts and put dampner on ant water pump on and you should be good, hopefully you dont have a fuel pump making a knocking noise