no bolt crank, damper intallation?

[absintheisfun]

Okee...so I pull my damper because the threads for the pulley were shot. Found a replacement and go to intall it...there are no threads in this crank for the install tool.

How do I install this thing???

I did some searching and the only real solution that I found was to remove the crank, drill and tap a new threaded hole in the crank. PLEASE tell me there is another way. I don't have time to remove the motor, drop the crank and then drill/tap.

Please tell me there is an easier way!!

[ZZ430]

It can be drilled and tapped in the car.

I've done it several times, using an angle head drill. It doesn't need to be drilled perfectly straight, just get it as close as you can.

Tape off the area so filings don't get in the motor.

[absintheisfun]

does the size matter?

I have heard 7/16th is the best size to go with, but what thread count?

Thanks

[DynoDon]

The non drilled cranks had the dampers installed on the assembly line using a large C Clamp type arrangement that pulled the damper against the crank. In car service became a problem that they hadn't thought of so around 67-68 they started drilling them.
The factory manual for 56 shows an "Installation tool" (that can be substituted with a flat block of wood) and a large dead blow hammer. There is some risk of hurting the thrust bearing, but I have seen many done this way with no problems. Pre Heating the damper on a hot plate to 250-275 degrees helps immensely.
I have also seen instances where a bottle jack turned sideways and a block across the core support worked as well.

[absintheisfun]

I have also seen instances where a bottle jack turned sideways and a block across the core support worked as well.

I was thinking about trying a bottle jack earlier, but didn't want to drop the radiator. I guess the guy who built up this motor before I bought the truck must have used a hammer. The timing chain cover is one of the black annodized dress units with a bright red bowtie and "chevrolet" across the front.

I'm going to try to tap a 7/16th with an angle drill tomorrow. I guess this is as good a reason as any to get a new tool!

[neki67]

To help things a bit you can put the damper in the oven @ 250 for about an hour or so, given you just that bit of extra clearance to make everything go smooth.

[absintheisfun]

how deep should I tap the hole in the crank?

[ZZ430]

how deep should I tap the hole in the crank?

That depends on the length of threads on your installer. Of course you want to avoid bottoming. I'd say a minimum of 1/2".

This would be a good time to install the later bolt and washer, so you could thread it deep enough to fit that.

[oestek]

Heat it up, use the wood block and hammer, be sure to dab a little grease on the crank snout, and you'll be done in 5 minutes.

[absintheisfun]

Thanks for the help guys..tapped a hole about 1/2 - 3/4 deep and threaded it. Ran the installer tool in and started cranking. Got the thing on a little bit tighter than the tool was ready for and snapped off the end of the thing in the newly tapped hole!:hammer:

tapped a hole in the tool and backed it out with an extractor.

put in a new center bolt and tightened everything up.

Thanks again for all the ideas. Got a new 90 degree drill outta the deal!