John B

iTrader: (10)

Just as I was buttoning things up after a successful B1 cam installation <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> big problems.....I went to install a new crank oil seal in the timing chain cover (since I was also putting on a new ASP underdrive crank hub and wanted a perfect seal) and I managed to break the seal retainer on the timing chain cover <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0">

Here's what happened, I had already placed a 2" diameter pipe sleeve behind the timing chain cover that perfectly fit just inside the retaining area. I then began pounding in the new seal with a piece of steel flat bar on top of it, to ensure that I would drive it in flush/flat.

It looked like the job was complete except upon closer observation the outside of the seal looked like it still had what appeared to be about .001" or .002" to drive in on one side. I thought, oh well, let me use the pipe sleeve on the front side since I had only planned to tap it very gently to ensure that the one side would still go down just a hair. WRONG!!! When I started to tap it (unsupported from behind) it just kept right on sinking into the cover as my heart began to pound <img src="gr_eek2.gif" border="0">

My first thought was that the seal had somehow collapsed! I thought, oh poopy <img src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" border="0" alt="[whiner]" /> there's $10 bucks down the drain on a new seal! I flipped the cover over only to find that the seal had not collapsed, that the seal had actually broken through the timing chain cover since the retaining portion of the cast aluminum cover is only about .050" thick here <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0"> I thought, nice, now I'm not only out $10 for a new seal but close to $60 for a new cover!

Of course being Friday afternoon, when I check my local Chevy dealer he informed me that not one Northwestern United States GM dealer stocked this cover <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0"> and that it would have to come from the West Coast parts distribution center in Reno, Nevada meaning that even if I had him air ship it, due to the Holidays next week, I'd be lucky to see it by NEXT WEDNESDAY! <img src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" border="0" alt="[whiner]" />

So I got on the phone with Valvegod and for only $15 got a used LS1 timing chain cover. The Air Shipping price is still to be determined, but at least he will be able to airship it out on Monday morning since it was to late to do anything this evening.

My whole point to this long story is that this now shouldn't happen to you now since there needs to be a caution note made in your LS1 Tech Files stating to deal with the Timing Chain Cover Seal with kid gloves or my story may be yours too, hopefully not! Thanks for letting me vent and hopefully saving someone else from the same hassle and frustration. I guess I’ll just have to patiently wait until next week to personally audition the new B1 cam.

Meanwhile I'll just add 3 or 4 more coats of Zaino Polish so that the car looks as good as it will sound <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

turbo

iTrader: (10)

Thats why they make tools to put those on <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

Still sucks though man. I know what its like! One thing after another with cars almost lol.

Casey

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I used the KentMoore/GM tool to put new seals on, it sits on the seal, and then you torque it down, it distributes the torque evenly... Sorry to hear what happened...

Dave Carney

I just used a block of wood. Worked fine.

Plum Crazy Rob

iTrader: (3)

It's always a certainty that Valvegod will have it, but don't forget checking eBay too:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...605801&r=0&t=0

Brother J

OUCH! Shaun Carter comes through, again.

Chris G

[quote]Originally posted by Brother J:
<strong>OUCH! Shaun Carter comes through, again.</strong><hr></blockquote>

No joke. He has hooked me up with several parts at great prices.

Chris G

GeorgeC

I guess I got lucky. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

I beat mine in with a piece of 2x4 <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

John B

iTrader: (10)

Opps! Forgot to post the pic for those interested!