Crankshaft sprocket removal

[series8217]

I'm at the stage of tearing down my '93 3.4 TDC where I have to remove the crankshaft sprocket that the timing chain is driven by before I can remove the bearing caps and take out the crank. There is not enough clearance behind the sprocket to fit a universal puller. There are no holes in the sprocket to tap so I can use a harmonic balancer puller. Of course, the service manual calls for special tools to be used: J 8433 and J 38611 to remove the timing chain, crankshaft sprocket, and intermediate shaft sprocket.
Is there any way to get the sprocket off without the special tools? If not, does anyone have a source for these tools or access to them (perhaps we could arrange a borrow)? Any help at all will be appreciated! Thanks.

-Steven

[DrRodey]

I believe there is a complete tool set on e-bay right now. I'll post the link later if I can find it again.

Another option is to "pop" a link on the timing chain. except afterwards you need to buy a new timing chain, but if you get desperate enough it's an option.

Dan

[series8217]

I believe there is a complete tool set on e-bay right now. I'll post the link later if I can find it again.

Another option is to "pop" a link on the timing chain. except afterwards you need to buy a new timing chain, but if you get desperate enough it's an option.

Dan

Thanks Dan. I searched for about 15 minutes but I couldn't find the ebay auction. Let me know if you see it again.
Maybe I'll just go with a new chain. I'd rather spend $40 and have a brand new chain rather than $40 so I can reuse my old one. I did find a new chain for even cheaper but it was Cloyes brand, which I have heard on here is not high quality... however that may have been in reference to their roller chain setups. Maybe the stock replacement ones are better? Do you know anything more about the replacement timing chains?

-Steven

[napatiger]

Hey Series 8217,
Where is Aromas CA, I am in Napa CA and have the special tools needed....

[SappySE107]

I would stay away from cloyes from my own experience.

[series8217]

Hey Series 8217,
Where is Aromas CA, I am in Napa CA and have the special tools needed....

I'm 15 miles south of Gilroy, 30 miles east of Santa Cruz. The tools would have to be shipped. If you'd be willing to arrange a borrow, shoot me a PM and maybe we can work something out.

I would stay away from cloyes from my own experience.

Thanks Ben. I'll go with Sealed Power then, unless I can find another chain from a good brand for a reasonable price.

-Steven

[grandprixgtp_91]

try gm there suprisingly cheap, i got a new chain for my 91 gtp for $38 canadian from gm. cant beat original!

Jake

[series8217]

try gm there suprisingly cheap, i got a new chain for my 91 gtp for $38 canadian from gm. cant beat original!

Jake

LOL! I can't believe I didn't think of that. Great idea! Do you have the part number? I'll just add one to my next gmpartsdirect order. Thanks.

-Steven

[series8217]

I ended up grinding off the head of one of the linkpins and then pushed the pin out the backside with a small rod. Worked great and didn't make too much of a mess. I protected the engine with rags behind and around the chain. With the chain removed, my crank is free! Thanks guys!
Now I just need a GM part number for the chain and tensioner and I'm set.

-Steven

[series8217]

Part numbers for 3.4 TDC/DOHC timing chain and tensioner

I found the part numbers. In case anyone else needs them, here they are:
Timing chain: 10110599
Timing chain tensioner: 10110596
The tensioner is ~$30 and the timing chain ~$25 from gmpartsdirect.com.
I believe the parts are the same for all 3.4 DOHC engines, 91-97.

As far as reinstalling the chain, it looks like I will have to take the sprocket off the crank, put the chain on it and the intermediate shaft sprocket, slip both onto the appropriate shafts, then press the crank sprocket on (it goes on tight!). It looks like I can use a big socket with the crank pulley bolt through it to push the sprocket onto the crank, while the manual specifies a special tool of course ..

-Steven