[bdude273]

Hello, I am replacing my valve stem seals using the simpler method of turning the engine over then holding the cylinder up and then replacing the seal. I am having a heck of a time getting the engine to turn over by hand because there is nothing to attach my socket to the crankshaft (no nut) so instead I am turning it over by the flywheel. Anyways, I climbed under the car and to my surprise (NOT; this car gets harder to work on day by day) the flywheel is under a cover. Does anyone know how I would go about removing it?

 

[jayoldschool]

You remove the four bolts that hold the cover on, and turn the flywheel with a prybar or flywheel tool.

Take the spark plugs all out when you do this, it will be easier to turn.

 

[chrisntam]

starter has to come out too...........

 

[bdude273]

Thanks! I guess I should have looked harder for the bolts on the cover. Do you know which way the flywheel should turn or does it not matter?

----------

HAS to?

starter has to come out too...........

 

[chrisntam]

The starter goes thru that hole in the cover. Cover won't come down without removing the starter. Definitely take the plugs out when turning the motor over. I believe the motor turns clockwise. If I recall correctly the end of the crankshaft is threaded, but the factory didn't put a bolt in it. They plugged the bolt hole with cork. I believe you can take the cork out and install a bolt in the end of the crank. I don't know the exact size, but I recall it being 9/16", not sure of the threads per inch.

Can you grab the lower pulley (two hands with gloves) and spin it around?

 

[bdude273]

I imagine I could.

 

[Robin Banx]

The end of the crank in a 368 (1981 V8) takes a 9/16" NF bolt with a 15/16" socket required to turn it as I recall. You shouldn't have to drop the starter to remove the plastic lower flywheel cover. With the spark plugs removed and with you wearing a pair of industrial leather gloves, you should be able to spin the flywheel by hand. Unless of course the engine is brand new. Then it is a bit tougher.

Cheers......R.

 

[the APEMAN]

Some covers come off without removing the starter.

With the spark plugs out I've not yet run into one of these that cannot be spun around by grabbing the power steering pulley and turning while putting a little tension on the belt with my other hand.

Is the engine burning oil on deceleration?

 

[bdude273]

No, on start up it burns oil until its warmed up. I also found bits of the seal under the valve cover so I'm sure thats what it is haha.

 

[bdude273]

Some covers come off without removing the starter.

With the spark plugs out I've not yet run into one of these that cannot be spun around by grabbing the power steering pulley and turning while putting a little tension on the belt with my other hand.

Is the engine burning oil on deceleration?

Do you put a socket on the power steering pulley? I've taken all the plugs out and tried what you said to no avail. I might just not be strong enough though, haha. I know the engine isn't seized since I run it about once a week.

 

[the APEMAN]

No socket. They used to call me "the Claw" but that was 25 years ago.