I'm removing parts from my old 239 to move to a new 292.  I removed the water pump and now need to remove the spacer that was between the water pump and timing cover.  It is stuck really good.  I see some kind of black sealer was used by previous owner.  Since is my first experience with this, I wanted to be sure and not break anything.  What is the best way to go about breaking this spacer free?  Or should I just leave it attached and pull the timing cover since I will be moving that too?

thanks,

I guess you could leave it there, but I'd be inclined to remove, clean, and reseal. It's cast iron on both sides. So you can pry a bit. Or maybe use a little heat and see if that helps. I know you're fighting some problems on the engine/trans, and some things that weren't done right. Now's the time to set everything right.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I’m in agreement with miker in that you’ll need to get that spacer separated from the timing cover.  If not pulled loose now and a fresh gasket installed there, it will undoubtedly come back to haunt you later.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Assuming there is a gasket there, I would try a thin bladed object like a putty knife, using a hammer try to get it between the two surfaces.

If you have a rubber hammer, I would try whacking it with that.  A steel hammer might break the spacer, but you could use a piece of wood  with the hammer.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ