280z 76 not timing, just cover l28

[cesar280z]

Hello, i'm just continuing on the process of cleaning, and replacing old parts from the L28, unfortunately today one of the nightmares that nobody wants happened to me :mad:, the two bolts that hold the water inlet(coming from the heater) broke inside the the timing cover, :mad: , i had already deal with a situation like this before when i was barely trying to get the 280z running (thermostat housing), today however, the studs are almost all the way in... my question,.. is there any way to remove the timing front cover(whole oil pump, dizzy, etc) without messing up the timing? , I know I could use one of those kits to remove broken studs, but right now I could have access to a chrome cover for cheap, and I would like to take advantage of it, if possible.

thanks guys ..

[siteunseen]

I would think if you didn't touch the cam or anything related it would stay intact and in time. I'm looking at an extra cover right now and do not see anything that attaches to any timing parts. Just guesses. Good luck.

I've only built one motor so I do not know, BUT it does look like you could leave all that stuff on the cover. You'd probably want to pull out the distributor and check the spindle position though. Maybe one of the racer will tell you for sure.

Edited May 19, 2013 by siteunseen

[madkaw]

I would not recommend trying to pull or especially reinstall the cover with the oil pump shaft in place.

Put the engine TDC and remove pump and shaft. Don't rotate engine.

Don't forget the ALL the bolts that attach the cover. Try and work your gaskets free with a putty knife so they don't tear.

Reinstall oil pump AFTER assembly to make sure the shaft mates properly with crank gear.

Recheck timing according to manual

[ZCurves]

I agree with Madkaw, but I would add to be patient when removing the broken studs. Try to back the stud out with a small chisel until you can get a hold of it with Vise Grips or Channel-Locks. When you are ready to reassemble, chase the threads with a Tap/Die and blow clean. Over the years, I used a wee bit of never seize on my studs as it helps in the future - it will not affect torque. Good luck.

[LeonV]

Over the years, I used a wee bit of never seize on my studs as it helps in the future - it will not affect torque. Good luck.

Putting anti-seize on the threads will definitely "affect torque" in that even though your torque wrench will read the same, bolt tension will surely be different. Torquing lubed bolts to dry spec will lead to over-tensioning of the fastener. Whether that makes a difference or not depends on if that over-tensioning yielded the fastener.