V11 Timing Chain Cover Removal

[kerowako]

Hi, 

Is it possible to remove the cover with the engine installed?  I've got the alternator rotor removed, and the front engine bolts that attach to cover are removed.  I'm concerned that there isn't enough room to clear the crankshaft without removing the front subframe from the spine (a task I really want to avoid).  

Any experience from y'all is appreciated.

Fred

[Lucky Phil]

28 minutes ago, kerowako said:

Hi, 

Is it possible to remove the cover with the engine installed?  I've got the alternator rotor removed, and the front engine bolts that attach to cover are removed.  I'm concerned that there isn't enough room to clear the crankshaft without removing the front subframe from the spine (a task I really want to avoid).  

Any experience from y'all is appreciated.

Fred

You need to at the very least remove the two rear subframe bolts on the main frame and rotate it forward so you can remove the front cover. If you look at my V11 timing gear install I removed the whole front subframe so I'm thinking full removal is necessary. Dont forget the support the engine at the front when you do this.

Ciao 

[Tinus89]

Indeed, please support the engine on the front when you do this.

It is doable by rotating the front subframe forward, BUT. I did this and snapped the inlet of the fuel pump right off. You don't really feel the resistance of the hose and it is very brittle.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I don't remember any difficulty when I changed the timing chain and tensioner on my VII Sport.

Removing the nut on the crankshaft you need a special deep socket or just go with a 3/4" 32 mm socket and turn to with a wrench.

I don't have a picture of the VII Sport but you should be able to visualize the crankshaft sticking through the socket.

Wrap a few layers of masking tape around the shaft to protect it.

[url=https://ibb.co/HCZfFjV][img]https://i.ibb.co/KDnp0JX/IMG-0534.jpg[/img][/url]

Oops what's happened to the image hosting?

[docc]

5 hours ago, Kiwi_Roy said:

I don't remember any difficulty when I changed the timing chain and tensioner on my VII Sport.

Removing the nut on the crankshaft you need a special deep socket or just go with a 3/4" 32 mm socket and turn to with a wrench.

I don't have a picture of the VII Sport but you should be able to visualize the crankshaft sticking through the socket.

Wrap a few layers of masking tape around the shaft to protect it.

[url=https://ibb.co/HCZfFjV][img]https://i.ibb.co/KDnp0JX/IMG-0534.jpg[/img][/url]

Oops what's happened to the image hosting?

Good question!

[fotoguzzi]

I got a Real nice 32mm deep socket from Grainger.. 

[Kiwi_Roy]

On 9/18/2020 at 4:28 AM, docc said:

Good question!

Ha, you stole my picture. That 32mm socket has proven to be really useful.