Topic: Harmonic balancer help
in Forum: C3 Engines
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anyone have any tips on removing/installing a TIGHT harmonic balancer?
i got the balancer almost off and the threads pulled out of the cast puller 
.
.i think i can get if off but i'm worried about putting it back on.
i've seen these "installers" that screw into the end of the crank and basically use the crank threads to pull the balancer on. i'm worried that since the balancer goes on and comes off so hard, that i will pull the threads out of the crank.
2 years ago i installed a new cam and had a hard time getting the haromonic balancer bolt to bite so i'm leary of putting any excess pressure on the crank threads.
any suggestions??
thanks!
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I have on occasion used a brake hone to open up the ID of the balancer as they can sometimes be too small.....you have to be careful doing this as to not remove too much material - should still be a snug fit.... LukesVette 2007-04-14 18:49:14
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Soak the inside of the balancer with penetrent, if you haven't already, then let it sit for a while. That will help. You need to get a good quality puller, tho, it sounds like.
To re-install, sand the crank with emery cloth/sandpaper, 320 grit or so, and also sand the inside of the balancer. Use a thin coat of engine oil on the crank and balancer before putting it back on.
The tool for installing the balancer is a good idea. You can make your own with a long bolt that is the same thread as the crank, and a nut/washer. The bolt needs to be long enough for the threads to continue all the way thru the balancer, with at least 2 1/2" sticking out. Then cut the head of the bolt off, and thread the nut/washer on one end. Place the balancer onto the crank as far as you can, and then start the bolt thu it, into the crank threads as far as you can, and still have enough threads to put the washer with some grease on it, and then the nut on the other end.(out the grease on the side that the nut is on) Then just tighten the nut down. It will pull the balancer on to the crank. Just be sure to have plenty of bolt threaded into the crank, or you may pull the end threads out of the crank.
Most auto-parts places have tools you can rent, if you would feel better doing that. They will have the balancer installer.
btw...once you do get the balancer off, check the crank snout very carefully for any nicks/burrs that would make it hard to remove/install the balancer. Check the size of the woodruff key too. If it is too tall/thick for your application, it will make it really hard to get the balancer on/off.Adams' Apple 2007-04-14 18:53:41
To re-install, sand the crank with emery cloth/sandpaper, 320 grit or so, and also sand the inside of the balancer. Use a thin coat of engine oil on the crank and balancer before putting it back on.
The tool for installing the balancer is a good idea. You can make your own with a long bolt that is the same thread as the crank, and a nut/washer. The bolt needs to be long enough for the threads to continue all the way thru the balancer, with at least 2 1/2" sticking out. Then cut the head of the bolt off, and thread the nut/washer on one end. Place the balancer onto the crank as far as you can, and then start the bolt thu it, into the crank threads as far as you can, and still have enough threads to put the washer with some grease on it, and then the nut on the other end.(out the grease on the side that the nut is on) Then just tighten the nut down. It will pull the balancer on to the crank. Just be sure to have plenty of bolt threaded into the crank, or you may pull the end threads out of the crank.
Most auto-parts places have tools you can rent, if you would feel better doing that. They will have the balancer installer.
btw...once you do get the balancer off, check the crank snout very carefully for any nicks/burrs that would make it hard to remove/install the balancer. Check the size of the woodruff key too. If it is too tall/thick for your application, it will make it really hard to get the balancer on/off.
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