Hey all, I need to replace the timing gear cover on my '51 8N. I got it all knocked loose, but the crank pulley is in the way, so I need to remove that now. As you can see, it has a large hex bolt in the center. I think I could bust that loose with an impact wrench. My questions are: do I need a pulley puller to remove the pulley? What is a good way to tighten the new bolt? Any additional help is appreciated.

You should have no problem removing the pulley retaining nut with an impact wrench. I have not seen one that is frozen and the threads are not a large size. Install it the same way with an impact wrench. The pulley is a slip fit and should come out easily. Only real issue will be the front seal surface on the pulley and the seal itself. The original rope seals tend to wear a groove in the pulley and may have a hard time maintaining a seal when the pulley is installed again.

A good rubber seal is available and easy to install if you have the front cover off, but it requires a smooth sealing surface on the pulley, which probably requires a new pulley.

Thanks Steve. I purchased new rope seals for the crank and the oil pan, as well as a new one-piece neoprene seal; is there a benefit to either one? What's the install process for the one-piece seal?

When you remove the front cover you can pry out the rope seal in the pan and after cleaning the groove for the rope seal use some good gasket sealer and slip the neoprene seal over the crankshaft and work it into the pan groove. Then install the front cover working it over the installed seal. Clearly I think the neoprene seal is the best, but only if the pulley sealing surface is without grooves or damage. Otherwise the rope seal will probably work better. You can get a sealing surface repair sleeve to install on the pulley to restore the surface. I got one from McMaster-Carr but they run around $50. Still cheaper than a new pulley. It just taps into place.

You should be good to go once you get the bolt out. Careful prying to hard on the pulley, may bend the sides in and then your belt won't run true and stay in the groove. Tap ever so gently around the pulley with a small hammer to see if that won't help it work loose.

Thanks Keith!

Trying to attach the picture. https://i.imgur.com/exainxI.jpg