Removing timing gear cover '55 T Bird.

[37 Coupe]

Do you support engine at oil pan front or use hoist to be ablt to remove timing gear cover and front engine mount ?

 

[KULTULZ]

Do you support engine at oil pan front or use hoist to be ablt to remove timing gear cover and front engine mount ?

In a home-shop, I would raise it slightly w/ a floor jack (after loosening front mount - don't forget side steady rests). Use a cushion (2 x 4's - blanket) to protect the pan.

Watch trans tunnel and DIST.

 

[dmsfrr]

If you support the engine in the car at the front of the pan and remove the timing cover, the weight will very likely bend the front of the pan upward.
The timing cover is the upward support for the front 4 inches of the pan. It carries half the weight of the engine and transmission. Approx 400 lbs.
Supporting the engine under the lower flat part of the pan, or from overhead, would be preferable.
In this 1st photo the wood support blocks are behind the separating line for the timing cover, and an engine hoist is hooked to the top of the intake manif. (and the transmission was removed)

 

[miker98038]

Both response above are correct. I’d rather lift with the cherry picker than the sump of the oil pan, but I’ve done both. Then run the steady rest nuts up (or down on the bottom if required) and let them hold the weight. Then you can pull everything apart. Just don’t forget to readjust everything as you go back together. PITA because you have to use an open end wrench with no room, but pretty much bullet proof.

Keep track of the bolts, different lengths, and some are blind holes and some water passages IIRC.

 

[KULTULZ]

Supporting the engine under the lower flat part of the pan, or from overhead, would be preferable.

! GOOD CATCH !​

Under the sump.

I a$$-u-me too many things ...

 

[dmsfrr]

... to be ablt to remove timing gear cover and front engine mount ?

... and you'll need a special puller for the crank pulley. It's '55/'57 T-Bird specific and not shaped like any others.

... Keep track of the bolts, different lengths, and some are blind holes and some water passages IIRC.

On this block these two bolt holes are open to water passages on the back side. I used a soft plumbing sealer on the bolt threads to help keep water from leaking thru.

 

[37 Coupe]

Thank you all for the different tips.