I want to check for timing chain slack. The largest socket I have is a 1 inch. I have the stock 350 motor. Can you tell me what size socket I'll need for the crank pulley?
And will I be able to turn it over with a breaker bar without pulling the plugs?

 

You need a 1 1/8" socket.

 

Will not need to remove plugs, it will turn easily with a breaker bar. With good access one can often move the balancer back and forth by hand to check timing chain slack.

Good luck!!!

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Ok I've got a 1 1/8 deep socket with a 25 inch breaker bar. Sugar Bear you mentioned having good access. My motor is installed with nothing removed and I'm having a hell of a time getting onto the crank bolt. I got the socket on without being attached to the breaker bar, but with the socket on the bar, I'm not able to get onto the bolt.

 

I have not tried from underneath. But that won't work either for what I'm trying to do. I want to rotate the crank to TDC and check my rotor, and then rotate CCW until the rotor moves to check for timing chain slack. If I go from underneath I don't have someone on top to watch the rotor

 

Good idea

 

I use my 1" Grey bar, 3" extension and socket. You will need a short extension to turn it from up top.

 

Can you grab the crank pulley by hand and rock it back and forth?

 

I can't budge it

 

No, it's an automatic