Topic: While I've Got That Apart - PROJECT COMPLETE
in Forum: C3 Engines
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So I'm about to embark on one of my favorite journeys, something I'm sure we've all done at some point on these cars - the classic "While I've Got That Apart".
|UPDATED|6/2/2015 1:14:36 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I need to order a correct set of radiator/heater hoses from Blair's so I can put my rebuilt original water pump back on my '73. Picturing this process in my mind, I immediately see the timing chain cover right behind the WP. Even with only 66k miles on the engine, I know what the 43 year old plastic coated cam gear is going to look like, so add new timing chain and gears to the list. Got to pull the damper, so might as well make sure it's aligned where it's supposed to be and still in good shape.
In order to properly change the timing gear cover and take care of some of those little "drips" on the floor, remove/replace the oil pan gasket and rear main seal. Gee, while the oil pan is off, check the pick up tube, screen and oil pump. While I'm under there, get the correct GM plug wires properly routed through the motor mounts and do some more cleaning. Might as well replace the mounts since they're also caked with 43 years worth of grime and oil.
Then there's the last drip, non motor related (other than me), rebuild the power steering valve. I rebuilt the power steering ram last year, now the valve is leaking.
So does this cover it all or is there something I'm missing ?? I'd like to stop somewhere before the rear license plate, LOL !!
Correct radiator/heater hoses
Timing chain cover gasket and seal
Timing chain and gear set (true roller ?)
Oil pan gasket (single pc.), new rear main seal (two pc.)
Oil pump and that plastic connector thingy
Correct plug wires
New motor mounts
PS valve rebuild kit
Been a while since I've gone down this path, looking for anyone who's got the hot tip on the latest parts or
'how to's" to make a return from this journey as smooth as possible. I would also like to complete all tasks with the folks at NCRS in mind.
Thanks in advance for any input !!
|UPDATED|6/2/2015 1:14:36 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member
Duct tape is the new Black !!
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Couple of quick things come to mind to check in the same area are the fuel pump, lines and filters. Look real close at the rubber in the damper, any dry rot get rid of it. Also the rad hoses, much easier to replace with front engine parts out of the way, this is all assuming you haven't already done them.
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DanT
20111021145147r.jpg)
since you are about halfway there..... just do a frame off and get it all done.
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
I TOTALLY agree with the last two posts! Go for broke. You'll not have to do things twice.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Don't even bother replacing the timing chain unless you go with a true double roller set up. Gears and chain. Not worth the effort otherwise, imho. You can get the sets just about anywhere(NAPA, Autozone, etc), but get a name brand, not a plain brown wrapper set.
Have fun doing the rear main seals. The trick to doing those and them NOT leaking is to off-set the ends of the seals. If you install the seals with the split on the same plane as the rear main cap/block, the seals WILL leak. Don't let anyone tell ya it won't.
Check the hub on the harmonic balancer closely for a groove, right where the front seal rides. If it is grooved, you'll either need to replace the balancer, or get a stainless sleeve to install over the hub.
Have fun doing the rear main seals. The trick to doing those and them NOT leaking is to off-set the ends of the seals. If you install the seals with the split on the same plane as the rear main cap/block, the seals WILL leak. Don't let anyone tell ya it won't.
Check the hub on the harmonic balancer closely for a groove, right where the front seal rides. If it is grooved, you'll either need to replace the balancer, or get a stainless sleeve to install over the hub.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks for the input, offsetting the seal makes perfect sense. I'll also get the timing cover gasket set that includes the balancer sleeve if I need it. My biggest concern is that the balancer has moved or the rubber liner is toast. Do anybody still rebuild those things ??
I added fuel pump to the list, rubber hoses already replaced. I think it's still the original pump, I'll take it down if only to clean it up decently.
Spoke with Brian and parts from Bair's are on order, now to find a decent local timing chain set and all of the gaskets. I'll update my original post with P/N's for future reference.
Sorry, no frame off or motor pull this time around !!
Let me know if anyone thinks of anything else.
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member
Duct tape is the new Black !!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You do know the "While I'm There" virus is incurable, don't you, John?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Adams' Apple said: You do know the "While I'm There" virus is incurable, don't you, John?
Hey Joel - incurable virus, addiction, OCD and a few other terms come to mind. The good news is my wife knows what I'm spending my time and money on, and she's all good with that !!
Spent some time yesterday looking for a timing chain set and the rest of the stuff at my local parts stores, that turned out to be a waste of time. Three stores, only two could figure out what I was looking for and both could only get half of what I needed - shocking !!
Ended up ordering everything I needed from Summit Racing online about midnight last night. Everything in stock, should be here by Tuesday.
I ended up going with a Comp Cams 3100, the latest Fel-Pro gaskets and seals, Sealed Power HV oil pump and new pick up. All in with free shipping $158.00 !! The rest of the stuff is coming from Bair's (at about twice that price) and I'm ready to roll.
I'm going to try and keep the blinders on while I'm under there, but you know how that goes. I'll post pics and commentary as soon as the project begins.
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member
Duct tape is the new Black !!
hello I understand but your the only one that can put stop sign very hard to do .if you keep going there is no end do what you what to do must stop somewere. most its time or money. have a good time dwa
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