Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Removal of stuck pump gear...

[blacksheepdiesel]

VP44 was dying so I bought a reman from Scheid and proceeded to remove the old pump and install the new one. Having done this 4 or 5 times on different trucks (including once on Black Sheep) I know the procedure well and even made my own gear puller for the job. This time one of the bolts stripped as I tried to remove the pump gear. Bought the correct tap (8mmx1. 25mm) and cleaned one bolt hole (with grease in the tap to catch cleanings) and then the second one, except, ooooppss! Broke the tap in the damn hole!! And I was trying to be so careful!? gggrrrrr!!!!! Pull the timing case gear cover off and try a pair of regular gear pullers to no avail. Already have a spare gear from a spare engine I bought and can see there are no good places for the puller to bite. Borrowed a good Snap On puller with a crossbar that keeps the puller legs tight and it still won't pull the gear off. Apply a little heat with a propane torch and still nada! Going to the farm and bring the big torch back and see what will happen. Need to get this truck going as I have a camper to deliver near Buffalo on Monday and then drag my old Ebay Airstream treasure home from PA.



Anyone else experience this stuck gear??? What the heck did you do???



Godspeed,

Trent

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Whew!!! Threw some bigger heat at it with the oxy/acetylene torch while the puller still had pressure on it and it finally popped off!! I did hold a sheet of 1/8" metal between the radiator and the gear puller so the rad couldn't possibly be damaged. Upon inspection the pump shaft showed rust spots (wet, not dry) which completely baffles me as I did a head gasket and oil pan gasket last fall and there was no corrosion anywhere. Only thing I can think of is there must have been some moisture trapped between the pump shaft and gear when I installed it 3 years ago, possibly from the air hose used to dry the brake clean off. Prolly never know for sure.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Fishin Guide]

I usually apply little heat to the gear only and then quench it. Usually hear it break free. This is with tension on the puller.



Dave