440 Timing Cover seal removal?

[manic_mopar]

Hey all, I got my timing chain cover off and i'm getting ready to re-install it tomorrow with my new seal, but I cant seem to find the tool that the service manual references for removal and installation. (C-3506 tool) I have found a couple different installation threads, but nothing on removal.

Are there any tips or tricks yall use to remove this thing? I don't want to go experimenting on that thin cover metal and warp it, so I'm hoping yall have an easy way to do it!

Thanks

 

[oldbee]

Place cover on a couple pieces of wood just outside of seal o.d. and whack. Do the same reversed on installation. Shouldn’t take much either way.

 

[Don Frelier]

Another suggestion:
If you can find a piece of PVC pipe with a larger OD, cut a short piece set the cover over it centering the seal inside. Then you can use a piece of wood or a soft hammer and knock it out. (from the inside towards the outside)
A couple install tips:
1. lightly sand the harmonic balancer with 400 grit paper and oil the seal and the balancer where it will contact the seal.
2. Do not tighten the cover all the way until you install the balancer, let it center itself on the balancer shaft.
3. Use some RTV on the lower edge of the timing cover when installing.

 

[manic_mopar]

thanks guys i'll check those out tomorrow. thanks for the additional tips too don.

 

[manic_mopar]

I got the seal out. Noticed that the lip for the seal has an indentation as if when they installed the harm balancer years ago it pressed it in. Should this be a cause for concern? It's not much, and i didnt notice a leak before from there..

 

[toolmanmike]

How does your balancer look where the seal rides? Deep groove, shallow groove? Pics?

 

[manic_mopar]

It seems to ride pretty far in there.

 

[toolmanmike]

Looks pretty good in the pics.

 

[Don Frelier]

It looks like a newer balancer. I think you can sand it a bit, try and create crosshatch pattern like honing a cylinder.
What is the project? Timing chain? Cam?

 

[manic_mopar]

Had a fairly decent leak from the timing cover gasket near one of the bolts. So while i have it out might as well put a fresh seal in there too. Chasing leaks on this dang motor is a real pain!

 

[manic_mopar]

When i run my finger across the surface of the harm balancer, it's perfectly smooth. I don't feel any indentations.

 

[Don Frelier]

OK so no upgrades, since I don't know the history these may be unnecessary suggestions.
You may want to check the chain for stretch while your in there.
Do you know if the cam was degreed? (I've had at least 1 timing set that was off a good -3 degrees)

 

[manic_mopar]

Its got the 493 stroker kit on it, built by a peeformance shop in south florida about 10-12 years ago. Since then we maybe have put 1000miles on it. I checked the chain and its good. The motor runs awesome when i dont have it tore down hunting dumb stuff. Not sure on the cam. I know we have an aftermarket street/strip cam in there, id have to check my notes on whats in there. Thanks for the help