How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one tool - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hazieview · 07-26-2010, 06:17 PM

Hey guys I went to install my harmonic balancer on my engine and I made a few mistakes.

First mistake.... I rented a harmanic balancer install tool from Autozone.

Second Mistake.... I actually used it.

Third Mistake.... IT SNAPPED!

The reason I laugh now is because I actually got it back out. I just pulled the harmonic balancer back off with a puller and then unscrewed the broken tool out of the crank.

So back to sqaure one. How far do I need to screw the harmonic balancer on? i was told that eventually it would just quit going on. Obviously I didn't notice because the nut was still turning and snap.

Would anyone recomend a better tool and maybe tell me how far it should go on before I break another tool?

I just need to know how far the balancer needs to be from the timing chain cover. Thanks guys!

hotrodhomi · 07-26-2010, 06:24 PM

Check how deep the threads are by placing something in the crank? I would use a micrometer, but you can put a thin pen in there until it bottoms out and measure how far it went in. Disclaimer... don't shove anything in there that will break off or it too big. That will show you how far you can tighten before the bolt will bottom out.

Is this the original balancer bolt washer and crank?

82chevy350 · 07-26-2010, 07:35 PM

i just went an got a high grade bolt that was a little longer and tightened it put lots of lubrication on the crank and balancer maybe the key is messed up inspect it real good first i have also used the installer tool but didnt go well the first time i stripped some threads in the crank then i made sure i screwed the tool all the way in ... Pretty much when it stops goin thats where it needs to be get it on till it stops and i believe torque the bolt to 65 lbs and call it good

**PRattenbury** · 07-26-2010, 08:41 PM

I just bought an installer tool because my balancer wouldn't go on far enough using the old-school method (tapping it in with a BFH). I just pulled it on until I couldn't see shiny metal between the timing cover and the back of the damper anymore. Took the tool out, put the pulley and the boly in. torqued it all down, and it lined up perfect. Now if I could get a throttle cable to behave that well...

asphaltburner · 07-26-2010, 11:34 PM

Yo!
Believe it or not, BOIL your new balancer for 15 minutes in a pot of water, and then use an install tool on it. The hot water will cause it's inner circumference to expand slightly, making it easy to install over the cool crank snout.
Todd.

irishman999 · 07-26-2010, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltburner

Yo!
Believe it or not, BOIL your new balancer for 15 minutes in a pot of water, and then use an install tool on it. The hot water will cause it's inner circumference to expand slightly, making it easy to install over the cool crank snout.
Todd.

You can also pull out your crankshaft and stick it in the freezer, Just kidding. The hammer method mentioned earlier works well. I put one on my buddies 350 crate motor a few years ago using the hammer tap trick.

motornut · 07-27-2010, 09:33 PM

neat trick thanks
After finding the snowblower tires cooking in the oven,now boiling the balancer ,she might not want me to make dinner....EVER

cableguy0 · 07-27-2010, 11:15 PM

Beating balancers on with a hammer can hurt the thrust bearing. An installer should always be used to eliminate the chance of damage.

**PRattenbury** · 07-28-2010, 08:35 AM

This is true. There is a proper tool for the job. But if you don't have it, a 3 pound maul and a big socket or a hunk of pipe works.

faribran · 07-28-2010, 12:27 PM

no, never tap it on... just drill and tap the 283 crank.. thatz what i did to a couple of mine... just we aware you need to get it drilled as square as possible(if still in vehicle)
it actually taps very well... use plenty of lubricant and be patient.

p_rubottom · 07-28-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faribran

no, never tap it on... just drill and tap the 283 crank.. thatz what i did to a couple of mine... just we aware you need to get it drilled as square as possible(if still in vehicle)
it actually taps very well... use plenty of lubricant and be patient.

Great, i was thinking it would be hard to tap do to the hardness of the metal and the chance of it spinning the assembly. I will give it a shot! thanks guys

07-26-2010, 06:17 PM	#1
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one tool Hey guys I went to install my harmonic balancer on my engine and I made a few mistakes. First mistake.... I rented a harmanic balancer install tool from Autozone. Second Mistake.... I actually used it. Third Mistake.... IT SNAPPED! The reason I laugh now is because I actually got it back out. I just pulled the harmonic balancer back off with a puller and then unscrewed the broken tool out of the crank. So back to sqaure one. How far do I need to screw the harmonic balancer on? i was told that eventually it would just quit going on. Obviously I didn't notice because the nut was still turning and snap. Would anyone recomend a better tool and maybe tell me how far it should go on before I break another tool? I just need to know how far the balancer needs to be from the timing chain cover. Thanks guys!

07-26-2010, 06:24 PM	#2
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one Check how deep the threads are by placing something in the crank? I would use a micrometer, but you can put a thin pen in there until it bottoms out and measure how far it went in. Disclaimer... don't shove anything in there that will break off or it too big. That will show you how far you can tighten before the bolt will bottom out. Is this the original balancer bolt washer and crank? __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

07-26-2010, 07:35 PM	#3
82chevy350 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Van Buren, AR Posts: 321	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one i just went an got a high grade bolt that was a little longer and tightened it put lots of lubrication on the crank and balancer maybe the key is messed up inspect it real good first i have also used the installer tool but didnt go well the first time i stripped some threads in the crank then i made sure i screwed the tool all the way in ... Pretty much when it stops goin thats where it needs to be get it on till it stops and i believe torque the bolt to 65 lbs and call it good __________________ Drive It Like Ya Stole It '82 Primer White c10 2wd LWB 350 sbc t350 (Hot Rod) '90 2wd LWB Silverado 350 tbi 700R4 (Daily Driver) '53 m38a1 Willys Jeep (Toy)

07-26-2010, 08:41 PM	#4
PRattenbury Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 478	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one I just bought an installer tool because my balancer wouldn't go on far enough using the old-school method (tapping it in with a BFH). I just pulled it on until I couldn't see shiny metal between the timing cover and the back of the damper anymore. Took the tool out, put the pulley and the boly in. torqued it all down, and it lined up perfect. Now if I could get a throttle cable to behave that well...

07-26-2010, 11:34 PM	#5
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one Yo! Believe it or not, BOIL your new balancer for 15 minutes in a pot of water, and then use an install tool on it. The hot water will cause it's inner circumference to expand slightly, making it easy to install over the cool crank snout. Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

07-27-2010, 09:33 PM	#7
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one neat trick thanks After finding the snowblower tires cooking in the oven,now boiling the balancer ,she might not want me to make dinner....EVER __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

07-27-2010, 11:15 PM	#8
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one Beating balancers on with a hammer can hurt the thrust bearing. An installer should always be used to eliminate the chance of damage. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-28-2010, 08:35 AM	#9
PRattenbury Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 478	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one This is true. There is a proper tool for the job. But if you don't have it, a 3 pound maul and a big socket or a hunk of pipe works.

07-28-2010, 12:27 PM	#10
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: How far away from the timing chain is the harmonic balancer? I already broke one no, never tap it on... just drill and tap the 283 crank.. thatz what i did to a couple of mine... just we aware you need to get it drilled as square as possible(if still in vehicle) it actually taps very well... use plenty of lubricant and be patient. __________________ "

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