Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) GSK Install Question

[TFlower]

Getting ready to install the Pier's #10 plate and also the 3000gsk kit. In the instructions, it says to roll the engine over to get the other spring to appear. How do I go about this???

 

[ChillyDog]

Put a 7/8" socket on the alternator pully bolt and turn the ratchet counter clockwise, watch for the spring pack to come into view. Once your done with the first set rotate the engine until you get the second one in view. Are you going in from the top or the side plug?

 

[SmokinU]

Get a 7/8 socket (I believe) and a ratchet, and put it on the alternator pulley bolt. Turn the ratchet counter-clockwise until the spring top appears center in the pump opening. This is how I did it, and worked well.



Brandon

 

[SmokinU]

Dang,



ChillyDog beat me to it.

 

[Reb.B]

alternator has never worked for me. Cummins and Snap on both sell a tool about $30 or so that turns the enging over. It works very well.

 

[RT66DOC]

Alternator never works for me either - belt always slips (even a new one) - always wind up using a socket/breaker bar on the crank pulley. I have a Snap-On barring tool but have never even tried to use it. Do you put an extension on it or just reach down into that dark corner at the back of the engine and where do you stand to pull on it? Beside the fender, or do you sit on top of the motor?

 

[TFlower]

Thanks guys.

I'm going to try and tackle it tonight.

Going in threw the top.

 

[gitchesum]

If you use the alternator method, don't make my mistake. I was pulling on that ratchet and the motor just wouldn't turn over no mater how much force I put on it.



After I took the truck out of 1st gear, it worked great.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

After I took the truck out of 1st gear, it worked great



Did that one too... . dang 5 speed



Jim

 

[drrhoades]

I left it in gear as well but with the e brake off. I ended up moving the truck right back to the garage door. Guess I'll remeber to take it out of gear from now on.



Doug

 

[DSutton]

I turned mine from the crank shaft, lying under the truck, 1/4 turn at a time

 

[Andy Redmond]

Find some 3/8 or 1/2 drive * 12" extensions , I use four of them. . and a universal to put on the barring tool, then it comes out behind the alternator. Make sure to protect the electrical connections on the rear of the alternator with a shop rag etc. !!

 

[RT66DOC]

Thanks Andy - just what I was looking for. Ergonomics ya know.



As for the alternator method - my transmission was in neutral and the belt always slipped before the engine would turn. Even after I put on a new belt.

 

[Piston Slapper]

On ya'll alternator method, did ya'll try going the other way. On mine and dad's, it'll slip turning it one way, but the other way it'll turn it. Just curious if ya'll tried turning it both way.



I was confused about the springs at first. There are two sets of springs 180 degrees from each other. It'll make since once you get in there. How lot easier to getcha some help so you can have one watching and one turning the motor over. I have done the springs from the top and the side. Side is much easier and puts everthing right in your face. Side has a threaded plug that screw out and the when the pump is rotated the springs will all but fill up the whole. Makes it nice. Alot easier than working 6" deep from the top. Hard not to drop something from the top.



Let us know,

Gap

 

[RHARVEY]

The suggestion that I was given when you are working by yourself and using the alternator method is... Wrench against the fan shroud to the over flow bottle. . its 25 times to get the other spring up.

Thanks BPine!!!!!!





Rick

 

[JohnE]

best if someone else is barring

JJW-ND and I did the GSK together. He was barring (used the alternator bolt) one of the trucks and I wasn't paying close enough attention and the spring stack went past the access plug. I stood and grinned while he barred & barred & barred.



I was lazy and had a shop advance my timing. They were a little tough on the alternator harness with the ring gear barring tool as Andy cautioned.

Another danger is leaving it in the hole. NOT GOOD!



Side port is my preferred method. My favorite part is breaking the lock wire, handing it to the owner and telling them the truck isn't a virgin anymore.



Get's easier everytime, well except for the last one. I had to wait for them to kill the dowel pin in the middle of my job.



-John