I found the cam sprocket tool on ebay for $65 (used).

My list of replacement parts is:

Timing Chain
Crank Sprocket
New Crank Sprocket bolts (as per GM manual)
2 Cam Sprockets
3 Chain Guides
New Front cover Gasket
New Water Pump (No problems, but as long as it's exposed I will replace)
Timing Chain Tensioner
Drive Belt

Have I forgotten anything?

Should I also replace the balance shaft chain? Does it wear out?

Any other special tools?

Are all the kits pretty much the same or are certain name brands better? Since these are internal engine parts I would pay a little more for better parts.

Thanks
Steve

 

throw in a lot of patience and a bandaid or two and you are all set!! and the couple of jugs of fresh coolant of choice!

 

Forgot about the coolant!

In lieu of bandaids, I have a roll of electrical tape and blue shop paper towels so I can make my bandaids as large as necessary

Steve

 

well that'll work, oh and I forgot fresh oil and filter!!

 

Very important to replace the oil spigot, with the new design.

Do you have a plan for torquing the harmonic balancer back on? Should use a new bolt there to.

Don't know about the other chain, but the 2 MUST be synced.

You have a repair manual, I think I remember, if not.......

 

I had not heard about replacing the oil spigot with the new design. Thanks for mentioning that.

I have the GM factory service manual, and it does mention the harmonic balancer torque+angle (I think 74lb-ft + 175 degrees).

Steve

 

The spigot comes with most kits. I meant a strategy for holding the crank whilst achieving 175 degrees.

 

I haven't done anything yet as I was busy doing some winterizing around the house.

I am going to order the Cloyes timing chain kit from Rock Auto (about $75) which includes the chain, guides, tensioner and oil spigot. Also I will order the timing cover gasket kit (Victor-Reinz) (about $22). I am not going to replace the gears (unless I see something bad when I remove the timing cover).

When replacing the water pump, it looks like the sprocket alignment tool basically keps the sprocket centered to the water pump access hole in the timing cover when you remove the pump. Since I am removing the timing cover (which the tool centers to), when would I replace the pump? I am thinking that with no timing cover on, I would have to somehow hold the water pump sprocket in place so the balance shaft chain doesn't jump a tooth somewhere. Or should I change the pump before I remove the timing cover?

Thanks
Steve

 

A. Some pumps come with a sprocket attached.
B. Just do the pump when doing the chain. Then you won't need the sprocket tool.
C. Remember that the 2 chains need to be synced. The pump does not matter, it's the balance shaft to crankshaft.

D. It's very easy to drop the sprocket bolts into the chain cover. So, maybe do it first then find the lost bolts.

 

Thanks, donbrew.

Steve