After removing the sleeve it is a very nice fit in the flywheel almost a thumb press. Being on center is key to a good result. The two bolts across from each other will secure the flywheel and after a quick the pressure plate can be added and checked. Yes, I retired in 2000 and have not personally balanced an engine since. Before that the pressure plates ( new ) required the greatest correction. Not sure anything has changed but I'll find out. Steve
Must say there is no end to my resolve. I just got off the phone and it looks like my valve retainers won't be along until December. I'm not good with that at all. I have requested drawings and have begun a search for a CNC shop to make a run. Building a V6 Dodge sure is hard work. Steve
It's important to install the front seal square, the outer dust exclude part is real hard the inner oil seal is much more pliable. I oiled the seal and the new balancer. The balancer is require to align the timing cover housing before torquing the housing bolts and the water pump bolts. Steve
This is the timing cover gasket, it is a maybe aluminum shim ( on second thought must be steel as the magnet hardware bowl is holding it ) with a soft skin. I would like to look forward to no leaks. Steve
There is a reward to buying the good stuff., with degree wheel still on rear of crank and dial indicator on #1 the new damper and cover agree. The front cover and water pump torque 30 ft lbs. I tapped the damper to engage the seal and snug bolts. Everything olied and gently pull it home with a big wrench. And it torques 210 ft lbs. Steve
The instructions with the oil pump tell you to check fit with main cap. There is a recess in the cap and the pump should be a snug fit. Mine was a little thick and a few minutes with a fine file it slid right in place. If I had stuck it on and hit the bolts with an impact it would have cracked the rear main cap. After filing the pump I stripped and cleaned checked clearance torqued and mounted. As there are no lock washer on this engine I figure better living though chemistry. Of course this is just fitting up. no pickup yet.
I was made aware of a Machine Shop within 50 miles that is big into Dodge. Heading that way Monday. If I can learn more about head work all the better. Steve
I took measurements from old pump and pan looking to get this in correct place. If you are of the school "every thread has frequency at which it loosens" a nice tack at this point would be good. By that I mean weld the pickup to the pump. There we go last look at aftermarket rods, pistons. Crank mains std, rods ground high side of .010, assembly balanced. Once pans in place all this is a memory. Steve
I guess in the great scheme of things I have been lucky. I ordered a power steering pulley which is wrong, a clutch kit that's wrong and this oil pan arrived damaged. Of course This is no big deal and was resolved with a hard wood block. Steve
I will be glad when I can assembly heads and close this thing up. Everything on this engine is heavy. And I'm tired of taking Advil as a result of sore muscles. Due to the type engines I normally work on I have never had Fel-Pro gaskets to work with. I sure hope they live up to the hype. Steve
I tend to get caught up in small details others may over look. The damper/balancer has been on once to balance check. This is the first time I have had it in place. There is a small machined section exposed. In spite of having been oiled when installed I'd expect that area will rust over time. Steve
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