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| | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,644 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,644 | While the engine is out of the truck and on the stand I would like to set the timing. What tool should I insert into the harmonic balancer pulley so I can rotate it to TDC? I know there was a rod that would have been used to start it back in the day, but it was missing when I bought the truck. I’ve never known anyone who actually had one. The fan belt is currently not installed. I know I can insert a screwdriver into the flywheel teeth and rotate it that way, but that takes a very long time! Thanks
Chuck
1950 Chevy 1/2 ton (all original)
1951 Chevy 1/2 ton (future streetrod)
1941 Chevy coupe
1938 Chevy coupe streetrod
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,749 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,749 | If you have the spiral crank lugs on the balancer, it's easy to fabricate a short crank handle from a piece of steel round stock and a dowel pin. Just use a torch to bend the rod into shape. Most newer stovebolt balancers have a squared-off hole in the front that a 3/4" square drive ratchet will fit into and turn the engine. I use a 1/2" drive to 3/4" drive adapter on a long handled ratchet to turn engines with that type of balancer. It's also possible to weld a junk 1/2" drive socket picked up from a pawn shop to a short piece of flat bar, and bolt it to the balancer with two short 3/8-16 bolts, using the harmonic balancer puller holes. "There's lots of ways to skin a cat!"
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,644 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,644 | Thanks Jerry. I’ll look closer at the balancer when I get home. I thought they all had the spiral crank lugs. It’s a 1955 1st series 235 motor.
Chuck
1950 Chevy 1/2 ton (all original)
1951 Chevy 1/2 ton (future streetrod)
1941 Chevy coupe
1938 Chevy coupe streetrod
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | If the damper has holes to use a puller or bolt pulleys onto, put 2 long bolts in the holes & use a long bar or pipe to turn it .
George
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 | Spotbilt xo You could buy a flywheel wrench,use a pipe wrench...carefully,make a tool asHotrod says,you can turn it with a 9/16 end wrench on the pressure plate bolts if it's not to stiff, sometimes use a rag on the ring gear by hand. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,749 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,749 | Chuck, I believe the last engines to have the crank lugs were the early full pressure 235's - - -1954 and 55 1st. series. The large diameter dampers used on the later 235's and 261's are the ones I've seen with the squared-off center hole that a 3/4" drive will fit.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 | I have been using a big version of a oil filter wrench that has the rubber strap. The strap goes around the crank pully and I turn as needed. | | |
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