Having Trouble removing optispark timing cover seal 94LT1
#1
10-12-2009, 04:39 PM
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Rochester Hills Michigan
Posts: 162
Having Trouble removing optispark timing cover seal 94LT1
Hey Guys, I just got some new seals for my water pump and optispark drive shafts. I replaced my waterpump drive seal just fine using a high lighter cap, but I am now stuck on removing the optispark seal on the timing chain cover. Is there a good way of getting this seal off? cause Ive tried getting some needle nose pliers behing it but can get the sucker off
#2
10-12-2009, 05:29 PM
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Rochester Hills Michigan
Posts: 162
here is a reference picture of my timing chain cover seal. Its the seal in the middle.
http://www.nookandtranny.com/Images/...imingCover.jpg
http://www.nookandtranny.com/Images/...imingCover.jpg
#3
10-12-2009, 06:00 PM
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: The 'Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 18,306
With a teeny-tiny flat blade screwdriver. Gently wedge it between the seal and housing and pry it out.
And be sure to ask the trick for putting the new water pump seal on, if you don't already know. And don't put the new opti and water pump seal back on the housing until after the housing is bolted in place.
And be sure to ask the trick for putting the new water pump seal on, if you don't already know. And don't put the new opti and water pump seal back on the housing until after the housing is bolted in place.
Last edited by Camaro 69; 10-12-2009 at 06:03 PM.
#4
10-12-2009, 06:16 PM
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Rochester Hills Michigan
Posts: 162
i tried using the smallest flat head i could find and i cant get it between the seal and the cover....it just keeps slipping out and i keep scraping the robber off the seal its self....im down to the metal inner part of the seal at some sports.
#6
10-12-2009, 06:26 PM
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Rochester Hills Michigan
Posts: 162
timing cover is on the engine, i didnt want to take it off since it sounds like droping the oil pan will be a ***** to remove the timing cover completely. I also dont want to replace an entire gasket for my oil pan.
#7
10-12-2009, 06:33 PM
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: The 'Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 18,306
Gee, that picture was a little misleading! 
OK, get a longer screwdriver, and a small block of wood. Put the block against the timing chain cover right above the opti shaft, and the end of the screwdriver down into the lower part of the seal, between the seal and shaft. Then push back on the handle, and the screwdriver will pivot on the block of wood and (hopefully) pop the bottom of the seal out.
When I did mine, the seal popped right out with a small screwdriver. It's just a wedge fit.
OK, get a longer screwdriver, and a small block of wood. Put the block against the timing chain cover right above the opti shaft, and the end of the screwdriver down into the lower part of the seal, between the seal and shaft. Then push back on the handle, and the screwdriver will pivot on the block of wood and (hopefully) pop the bottom of the seal out.
When I did mine, the seal popped right out with a small screwdriver. It's just a wedge fit.
#8
10-12-2009, 06:44 PM
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Rochester Hills Michigan
Posts: 162
ya sorry i just found that picture on google to show what my timing chain cover looked like for people dont get confused with the vented opti covers. So basically you are saying to put the screw driver flat end inside the cover (between the shaft and cover) and wedge it out from the inside of the seal on the bottom? is that correct?
#10
10-12-2009, 07:15 PM
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Rochester Hills Michigan
Posts: 162
yup i understood that with the block of wood. Just wanted to make sure that i had the screw driver in the correct position so i didnt damage the timing cover case.