2.9L Timing chain & Sprockets delema!

[jay jigless]

I have a 2.9 and im changing the timing chain and gears. I read my chiltons and it said to get the crankshaft sprocket off i have to align the key slot with the locking key on the crankshaft tip where the harmonick balancer locks into and press it off but there is no key slot on that sprocket i was woundering if anybody has come across this problem before or if anyone has any tips for me.

 

[Psychopete]

Are you talking about the actual timing chain sprocket or the harmonic balancer itself? After the sprocket is unbolted from the camshaft, the crank sprocket should slide off the crankshaft. At least this is how is was on my '88 2.9L (5.0L was the same way). Been a long time since I've been in there though, I do remember them being on there pretty snug.

Pete

 

[jay jigless]

its on the front end of the crankshaft. i tried to pry the key out of the way but im almost guessing that it was put in permanently or you have to pull it off with the sprocket which really wouldnt make no sence. so i dont really know what to do it kind of hard to explain.

 

[loneranger48]

sounds like we need some photo identification on this topic.

 

[IMenriched]

sounds like we need some photo identification on this topic.

still not real certain as to what is being referred to

 

[Psychopete]

I agree, need more info. Still not sure where you are, do you have the harmonic balancer and timing cover removed? I looked up the timing set part numbers and they are the same from 86-92, should be similar to what I have seen on my '88.

Pete

 

[jay jigless]

ok ill get some pics up here and show ya what i mean but i will try to put them up here by the end of the day if not then i will put them up tomarrow.

 

[jay jigless]

this is where im at in my dalema

this is the crankshaft that has a key that i cant remove where the harmonic balancer locks into.

 

[snoopdoggie]

To get the balancer key out, woodruff key(like a half circle), use a piece of soft metal, brass - aluminum, as a punch to push the sprocket end of the key into the crankshaft. This will cause the front end to raise up. Once the end you push on becomes flush with the crank surface you should be able to pry or drive, with the brass or aluminum, the front end up and out of the crank. With the key out the crank sprocket just slides off. Hope this answers your question

 

[jay jigless]

ok thanks buddy. ill give that a try and see where that gets me.

 

[jay jigless]

got it out finally! it took a little bit of elbow greese but i got it. that little s.o.b was in there good.

 

[snoopdoggie]

If you caused any damage to the key when you removed it be sure to remove any burrs or dings it may have acquired before you reinstall it.

 

[88rangr]

What is the trick to get the timing cover off?

I am also replacing my chain and gears since they have 230,000 miles on my 88 Ranger. I have water pump off and have all the bolts off the cover, at least I think so, where should I pry to break the seal to the block or heads up on hidden bolts, I have all the pan bolts off to the cover too.

Thanks all!

 

[88rangr]

Yes agreed, it's a half moon, I pulled needed to pull my cover to replace gears and chain, I used a punch and hit the very end down and the back raised up, pulled it out and took the gear off. See my post's