V1 Travis B's Track goblin #479 - 08 SS

[WA08TC]

Not taking a chance again, billet gears in route.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Holy smokes! Somebody used a file on the crank snout, probably to slide the harmonic balancer on more easily. That's not good. I'm surprised the key is not more deformed than it is. The snap ring, what you call the c-clamp, retains the timing chain gear, but it too should be pressed on - unless they filed the crank underneath it too.

 

[WA08TC]

Ya, well I was able to get the timing sprocket off. Was a pain do to the key shearing off. The balance chain sprocket is fine where it is I was able to pull the woodruff key out and ordered a new one. Also cleaned up the key hole for the new key. My damper was cracked at the side closest to the motor on the key channel. Picked up a new damper. I'll get the new key put in lightly tapping it. Only issues is the timing sprocket and balancer are barely getting on before meeting resistance. Tapping them into place while lining up the key is going to be a pain. Does baking them at 200° for a little bit help? Ideas?

 

[Rttoys]

. Does baking them at 200° for a little bit help? Ideas?

it won’t hurt. Old school science of expansion and contraction.

 

[WA08TC]

Is it worth trying to get the pulleys on or is this just a point where I say stop and remove the engine and trans and have the crank replaced? Dont want to waste my time if the inevitable is upon me.

 

[Gtstorey]

How much of the pulley/dampener rest on the damaged snout?

You typically have to use a bolt or the proper tool to install a damper. This usually isn't a tap it on fit. Often there isn't a key and it's an interference fit that takes a lot to get it on. At least yours is keyed. I'm not sure that is normal on an ecotec. The LS engines are almost always interference fit only.

 

[WA08TC]

The timing sprocket will fit on the smooth part of the snout. The balancer will rest of the other part, I can get the tool to press the pulley on and have to try and line it up with the key then torque down the bolt. The bolt and key should keep it straight.

 

[WA08TC]

Got the short block back this morning. Had him also tap the turbo oil feed on the block this time instead of using the head. Started assembly about 10am with a fresh Bluetooth speaker and some Maui Brewing pineapple mana. New crank and nudged in the woodruff key. Sprockets and balancer slid on like butter with some slight wiggling. New factory head with my 82# springs moved over. Boundary billet oil pump gears installed as well. Got a lot done in about 7 hours. I was surprised how easy I was able to get the f23 mated usually I'm struggling for a while. Remembered the spacer too, took about 10 min with the motor on a furniture dolley and the trans on a hoist. Tomorrow I'll get the subframe in and tie up all the connectors and vacuum hoses. Tomorrow or Friday get her broken in. I promise this time.

 

[WA08TC]

When it rains it pours. Car idles for a a few seconds then the crank pulley mists and throws oil. Everywhere. No leaks that I can see but with talking to my tuner and Justin Reed consensus is the crank seal in the timing cover. Rock auto timing cover looks fine but never know. Didn't have this issue when I ran the motor a couple weeks ago before the crankshaft replacement But maybe just a fluke. Also don't have the dowel pins on the timing cover which can contribute to the crankshaft seal not being center on the crank. Motor didn't come with them. Sounds like a need to put dowel pins in, and replace the crank seal.

Anyone got a hook on finding those timing cover dowels be is spares or size?

 

[Rauq]

22531637 by OES | Pin

22531637 by SAAB | Pin | Fits Saab 9-3, Saab 9-4X, Saab 9-5 | eSaabParts: Saab Parts, Done Right.

www.esaabparts.com

I've found esaabparts to be the best at finding Ecotec engine parts with useful diagrams, the part number should cross over to the rest of the GM world. If that page doesn't come up with an applicable diagram for you, try switching at the bottom to:
Cylinder Block -> 9-3 (9440) ->2003-2011 [B207R ~ LSJ], or
Oil Pump 2.0T 4-Cyl -> 9-5 (650) ->2010-2012 [A20NHT ~ LDK]

Some of those other diagrams make it look like it's the same dowel that locates the oil pan so that might be another way you could come up with replacements.

 

[Rauq]

Actually you know what I have a scrap block in my garage right now (other project), let me see if I can pull a couple out. No guarantees I'll be able to get back to you on that today, though.

 

[WA08TC]

Actually you know what I have a scrap block in my garage right now (other project), let me see if I can pull a couple out. No guarantees I'll be able to get back to you on that today, though.

I appreciate it. I'll look into to the site you posted as well. One of the diagrams shows it in the front with the timing cover. If you can't get em out I'll order a pair. Hoping the dowels and a new crank seal fixes it. Was coming out good. Don't know what else it could be unless the aftermarket balancer snout is crap. The grooves look a little different then the OEM one but the snout length and size that the seal rest on are the same.

 

[WA08TC]

Was able to swap out the timing cover gasket and crank seal in the cover. No leaks at idle or after a drive. Big relief. Will monitor but now starting the tuning.

 

[Rauq]

Yours if you still want them and if I can get them out! I may give them a try this weekend just in case.

 

[WA08TC]

If you pull em I'll for sure take em, in case this issue pops up again easy insurance.

 

[WA08TC]

Some spring yard work and starting to retune after some rain. So far 20ish pounds and 9-10° timing no knock.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Nice! Always good to hear about tuning changes that make a difference - and don't cause meltdowns! Assume you got the timing cover and damper/pulley back on with no leaks? BTW, when are going to lay that windshield back a few degrees? It looks unnatural standing bolt upright.

 

[WA08TC]

Nice! Always good to hear about tuning changes that make a difference - and don't cause meltdowns! Assume you got the timing cover and damper/pulley back on with no leaks? BTW, when are going to lay that windshield back a few degrees? It looks unnatural standing bolt upright.

Ya everything is back together no leaks, swapped the timing cover gasket and crank seal all good. Need to look into tilting the windshield back.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Great news. Expect to see some updates on your tuning adventure. Just be forwarned that some will want to see dyno or track receipts for HP numbers.
I've got the windshield lay back information scattered around in the middle of my build log, or you could IM me and I can get you the steps that are needed to do it the easy (and correct) way. Same angle as the a-pillar and curved to give it some added strength.

 

[WA08TC]

Never shyed away from Dyno numbers or track times. Will do