Harmonic Balancer Replacement

[Mart]

Hi All

Just wondering if anyone has any tips or info installing a new harmonic balancer on my 86.

The outside ring came loose while driving to work, so I had to limp home, what and how much damage can this do to the engine.

Thanks in advance
Mart.

 

[vette-dude]

Can't be specific to your Vette but you will need a harmonic balancer puller and an installer. Get a good maintenece manual and it will lead you step by step through the process. Also replace the seal. You most likely haven't damaged anything if you didn't run it very long after it failed. There are some items that will have to be removed to give you room to work. Sorry to be so vague but haven't done this on a C4 yet.

Randy

 

[Mart]

HB

Thanks Randy

What seal are you talking about?

Mart

 

[Dave L.]

He is refering to the front timing cover or front crank shaft seal.Removal of the timing cover is necessary to do this,which after you have the balancer off is not to difficult.

Dave

 

[Mart]

Is this nessessary if only replacing the balancer.

Thanks Guys

 

[Dave L.]

No it is not. But,it probably would be a good idea to replace since the balancer is off any way. My balancer was seperated when I bought my car. It almost had rubbed completely through the timing cover. I went as far as replacing the timing chain and gears when I replaced mine. I should mention that my car had 100,000 miles on it when I bought it.

Dave

 

[Mart]

Thanks alot Dave, I plan on doing alot of work on the car this winter So I think I will wait and do those items then.

Unless I discover a surprise while doing this.

Mucho Thanks
Mart

 

[Mart]

Boy doing this on the car is a tricky one, I do not think my installation tool will fit in the space between the crank and steering lines.

Anyone know if the key needs to be replaced or use old one.

Mart

 

[Dave L.]

Use the old one.

Dave

 

[8388]

Boy doing this on the car is a tricky one, I do not think my installation tool will fit in the space between the crank and steering lines.



Mart

It can be done. You will more than likely have to modify your puller. I had to shorten the center stud, the one that makes contact with the crank.

 

[Mart]

Thanks Dave

I had to shorten the length of the nut on the puller by 1/4 inch. (Not the nut operating the puller)

It's the installer tool I am wondering about being to looooong.


Thanks Guys
Mart

 

[WhalePirot]

I did mine out of the car. It may be easier to loosen one or both motor mounts to raise the engine a bit.

 

[Mart]

How far down do you tighten the balancer, until it stops or what.

Mart

 

[Dave L.]

Yes,until it stops.

Dave