LT1 harmonic balancer won't budge
08-08-2012, 02:06 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
LT1 harmonic balancer won't budge
i'm having trouble removing the harmonic balancer on my 94.. i've been rapping on the larger ring closest to the opti with a chunk of wood and a 3lb sledge hammer.. the thing won't budge. i need this thing to come off so i can replace my opti. (yes all three bolts have been removed) any help would be much appreciated!
08-08-2012, 02:30 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
you need to be under the car from behind the balancer and tap both sides on the inside ring then go up on top and turn the motor a quarter turn and tap and so on.
08-08-2012, 04:00 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
08-08-2012, 04:01 PM
#5
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
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Make sure you use a piece of wood, or something similar do you don't damage it.
A puller will fit, I used one to pull the balancer mount off the crank.
Just feed the bolts under the frame and over the PS cooler if you have one.
Move the PS cooler out of the way if you're worried about the fins.
A puller will fit, I used one to pull the balancer mount off the crank.
Just feed the bolts under the frame and over the PS cooler if you have one.
Move the PS cooler out of the way if you're worried about the fins.
08-08-2012, 06:15 PM
#6
Tech Contributor
A little penetrating oil where the balancer sits on the hub will help. Shoot some in from the front side and the rear (accessible when you are under the car). Allow it to soak in then tap the balancer off using a ~12" long piece of 2x2 and a hammer. Often times you need to tap a couple times, then rotate the engine 90*, then tap again. Rotate another 90*, tap tap, etc
08-08-2012, 06:41 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Puyallup Washington
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Please remember WD-40 is not a penetrating oil or a good lubricant. To help free stuck parts use Kroil or PB Blaster and let it sit for a while. They work.
08-13-2012, 01:22 AM
#10
Instructor
while your doing this now is the time to do the hardest job the car, the front crank seal, water pump gear seal and opti seal. Be sure to use the proper tools or look up the tools you have to make in order to install the seals correctly.
08-15-2012, 12:07 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
Also make sure to apply some anti-seize to the the balancer and the lip on the crank hub where the balancer sits. Next time you have to take the balancer off, all you have to do is unbolt it and it will fall off.
