Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Buick Regal 3800 SC timing chain

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    turbo addict Turbo Mopar Contributor iTurbo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Gillette, Wyoming
    Posts
    5,384

    Buick Regal 3800 SC timing chain

    Hey guys, I'm going to be replacing the timing set (chain/sprockets) on my '98 Buick Regal GS soon. It has the L67 engine (3800 S/C). The car runs great and there are no apparent problems with the timing set, but I want to install a set of ZZP 1.9 rocker arms and LS6 valve springs/retainers for more power. I'm hesitant to do those mods with the original timing chain because of the increased load it will put on the chain.

    I have the tools to remove the harmonic balancer, but I am hesitant to put my impact driver on the center bolt to remove/replace it. Could this damage the main bearings? I have seen videos of people using an impact on the bolt, or using a breaker bar and the car's starter motor to remove it. I depend on the car for my job so I'm a little nervous about potentially breaking something if I ham-fist it. I'm not really sure what the 'correct' method is for this bolt. I was even considering using a large strap wrench (and two people), which should also allow me to torque it back to spec. Although I also wonder if that would damage the elastomer ring in the balancer.

  2. #2
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Spearfish SD
    Posts
    2,038

    Re: Buick Regal 3800 SC timing chain

    i've done the breaker bar/starter motor once and used an impact several times for removal. i would not ever use an impact to replace it. tell me how i know what happens when you think you have the impact on lowest setting and actually have it on highest setting when reinstalling the crank pulley...................
    89 Voyager LE, 2.5T2 - rest in peace
    87 Charger Shelby T2 (2.4 conversion in process)

  3. #3
    turbo addict
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    MPLS, MN
    Posts
    3,589

    Re: Buick Regal 3800 SC timing chain

    Jeremy aren't those engines famous for balancer's going bad? I seem to remember that. The impact is fine for removal. Tighten with torque wrench. I replace timing belts all the time on import stuff. Toyota's and Honda's are unbelievably tight many times. I've used 1250lbs/ft 3/4" impacts that wouldn't remove that bolt sometimes. I fear the bolt breaking off in crankshaft someday. I know people use the starter motor, but this would be a Hail Mary, last resort for me...
    Todd
    Last edited by 4 l-bodies; 10-20-2020 at 01:15 AM.

  4. #4
    turbo addict Turbo Mopar Contributor iTurbo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Gillette, Wyoming
    Posts
    5,384

    Re: Buick Regal 3800 SC timing chain

    Hi Todd, yeah it seems there are quite a few videos on YouTube of balancer replacement videos for the 3800. Mine seems OK though. Good to know that I can at least use an impact to remove it. I found a thread on a GM W-body forum where a guy removed a flex plate inspection cover and used a vice grip to pinch it to keep the engine from rotating, so hopefully that will work. Looks like the torque spec for it is 111 ft/lbs + 76 degrees and I may buy a new bolt if its really stubborn coming off.

Similar Threads

  1. '98 Buick Regal GS radiator
    By iTurbo in forum Other vehicles
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 03-13-2017, 04:44 PM
  2. 3.3 timing chain replacement
    By R/T in forum Dodge Motors - Heritage to Current
    Replies: 28
    Last Post: 11-08-2009, 05:09 PM
  3. 1990 Buick Regal 3.8 problems
    By 3Bar_Mopar in forum Other vehicles
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 01-20-2009, 08:25 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •