LS Crank Pulley Install

[1971Stepside]

I'm at my wits end. I need to reinstall my pulley, but it won't slip on far enough for the original bolt threads to catch. I've tapped it lightly, but don't want to brute force it on their for obvious reasons. I don't have a torch to heat it. I rented the kit at O'Reilly's. It doesn't reach. I really don't want to spend $60 for a tool I will use once.

I went to fastenal to make my own. They only have 3' of all thread. By the time you buy all the pieces it gets too expensive to make that approach work.

Any other ideas? Anyone have the LS tool laying around?

It shouldn't be this hard LOL

[Duncan K]

Try the local bolt /fastener supplier. Get a bolt with matching threads that is 1 inch longer.

[CJM72]

I bought this one. $20 well spent. I think I loaned mine out, but it would probably cost $20 to ship it round trip!

https://www.amazon.com/Harmonic-Bala.../dp/B01HU572E4

[Ghost's68]

Don’t tap it on bud. Buy a install tool which is just a peice of all thread and big heavy duty washers and nuts. I’ve heard people have good success heating up the balancer in the oven or even using a torche to expand the metal enough to slip it on. Careful using the old bolt to try and press it on. You can easily strip the threads this method.

[BR3W CITY]

If you have Fastenal stores they carry it all. Just buy the rod, a few hefty washers and a few hefty nuts.

[homemade87]

Originally Posted by Duncan K

Try the local bolt /fastener supplier. Get a bolt with matching threads that is 1 inch longer.

This has always worked for me . The extra lenght will get it started and pulled down most of the way , then I use the old bolt to finish it off , then install the new bolt after its seated . Do not use the old bolt to get it started if it will catch . It will not have enough threads catch and will pull the threads out . This is the biggest reason for the longer bolt .

[Jstock85]

Ive done it both ways. Did what brew city said and got the long bolt at fastenal and also went on Amazon and got ICT BILLET LS balancer install tool for $20. Both worked but that was a very well spent 20. Slid the balancer on much easier!

[1971Stepside]

Thanks for the feedback. I went to Fastenal this morning and picked up a piece of all thread, some nuts and washers. The guy rang it up at $63!!!! I was like, no thank you. They then rang it up under a construction account for $27.00.

I think I will make a couple extras and offer them cheap to help out the next guy in this predicament.

[1971Stepside]

went on like butter! It’s all about having the right tools. 240lbs of torque was hard on my back though

[nsb29]

When I installed mine I went it to AutoZone borrowed their installation tool had no issues It had every adapter you could want and it was more than long enough Don’t know much about O reillys A salesman came around the shop when they first opened up here Left me a bunch of sale ads and coupons after he left I realized everything he left was in Spanish several months later I went in there thought they were kind a lame haven’t been back Don’t think it’s just me the parking lot it’s always empty LOL

[68Stepbed]

Y'all do realize you can put the balancer in the freezer for a couple hours and it'll slide on pretty easy, right?

[1971Stepside]

When I installed mine I went it to AutoZone borrowed their installation tool had no issues

I stopped by there as well. There kit is identical to O'Reilly's. Too short to reach the threads. I guess some pulleys just initially go on the crank further than others.

[1971Stepside]

Y'all do realize you can put the balancer in the freezer for a couple hours and it'll slide on pretty easy, right?

Now you tell me this.....Ha!

[StingRay]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

Y'all do realize you can put the balancer in the freezer for a couple hours and it'll slide on pretty easy, right?

Really? That will make the hole smaller! Typically you heat the hole and freeze the shaft. You'd need to be very careful heating a balancer as you could hurt the rubber ring.

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by StingRay

Really? That will make the hole smaller! Typically you heat the hole and freeze the shaft. You'd need to be very careful heating a balancer as you could hurt the rubber ring.

[mongocanfly]

X2 on that freezing thing...the freezer will make it smaller...we have some equipment we have to assemble that has very tight tolerances....we have to heat the exterior parts and pack the internals in ice for a couple hrs...it'll slide right together....

[LH Lead-Foot]

I hope you used the special tool to center the Timing chain cover without the crankshaft seal installed, other wise it will fail & leak. Then you'll need to use the tool again.

Also done on rear cover for crankshaft seal also. GM Kent-Moore is expensive but centers both covers...different tool from installing balancer.

I believe Felpro is now selling a centering tool made from plastic with O-rings on it. I don't think they sell the balancer tool.

When I need a special tool, that I don't have, I just drive 1/4 mile down the road to the Cadillac dealer. Then the guy I worked with a the Buick dealership for 20+ years, goes back to the tool counter, signs for it and hands it to me. I get him a six pack for his efforts.