Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Stuck on Timing pin

[BSowers]

As I was performing a valve clearance check on my 97 12 valve I discovered one needs arms of rubber to access the timing pin. I managed to find TDC. After checking the first set I was unable to pull the pin back out of the gear due to the exposed part breaking off. :{ #@$%! Not sure why it fell off so easily. Does anyone have sage advice for replacing the timing pin without dismantling the whole front of the engine... KDP already taken care of.

Turns out the valve clearances were fine. Dang Murphy has haunted me today

 

[bmoeller]

Mine is sheared off. Don't worry about it, as long as the rest of it is in place to keep dirt out.

It is really only a guide. Not accurate enough for adjusting the timing, from what I hear. And not really needed for valve adjustments. Going by the rocker arms is sufficient. On #1, both of the valves will be closed. Rotate 180* and on #6 they will be closed.

If you need to do the timing, use the drop valve method to find true #1 TDC compression.

 

[BSowers]

Actually mine is still engaged with the timing gear. I need to disengage it but the handle on the outside is what broke off hence I can not get a purchase on it to pull it out.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

just hit the starter... it'll just shear it off.



I've never used a timing pin

 

[Jim Fulmer]

just hit the starter... it'll just shear it off.



I've never used a timing pin

This is a very true statement! I broke mine off along time ago and when I pulled the motor out there is was in the pan. The pickups are real good on these motors and keep stuff screened out.



Jim

 

[bmoeller]

just hit the starter... it'll just shear it off.

Yep. It is plastic.

 

[flyairam]

Sorry to dissagree, but I would not sheer it off and drive away happy.



I'd use a similar procedure as for getting the little nipple out of the timing gear if if sheered: put a hot punch into it, screw a screw into the resultant hole, pull it out.



Perfectionism isn't a character flaw is it? Is it? Is it?



Randy

 

[Joe G.]

I don't think you realize how small that nipple is and how hard it is to get to.

 

[Howard Durand]

Randy, I am with you as far as wanting to get the thing out of there. It won't be easy but surely can be done. The idea of a hot punch or piece of stiff wire would probably work.

Good luck.

 

[Red Stroke]

Well if you are patient the timing pin housing is held on the back of the cover with 2 torx bit screws, you can remove this to fix your problem.

 

[Signal73]

FWIW, I broke mine off and when I changed the oil pan after 6 months or so because of rust, there it was in the oil pickup screen. Cant see it doing much harm.

 

[Howard Durand]

Looks like Red Stroke has the best solution. Also, if you want to replace the pin, you can set the engine to true TDC then re-install the pin and housing.

 

[BSowers]

Thank you all for the advice. I'm not sure I want to just shear it off. The outside handle is what broke off so there is nothing to grab on to. Egads, this is worse than changing the fuel filter... . What WERE they thinking?

I am not gumby. I guess I'm looking at three ideas. one is to find a sticky mastic material I can put on a stick and try to stick it to the recessed pin in the pin housing to see if I can disengage it. If not, what is easier? Remove the injection pump or remove the vac/PS pump to gain access to the pin holder? If I have access with either removed to the gear, how much clearance is there between the gear and the gear housing?

 

[Highfinance97]

Sowers how did you make out???



Anyone have the part number for the pin and its holder??





Michael

 

[SKnapp]

won't your engine leak oil if not in place?

 

[SRath]

If you need to melt a tiny pilot hole in the broken plastic pin, maybe try using a small needle-nosed soldering iron.

 

[Dieseldemon]

If you have an angle drill and a 1/8th drill bit drill a hole in it about a 1/2 in deep and use a sheet metal screw to remove it I have done it a couple of times