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Harmonic balancer question

Old Aug 24, 2012 | 04:54 PM
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Default Harmonic balancer question

I have a 82 that I have been detailing by removing, cleaning and repainting the original parts in the engine bay and now I'm at the front. I removed all the pulleys but when I removed the crankshaft center bolt that holds the bottom pulley on engine oil came out. Then I was able to remove the pulley and the oil is coming from the center of the harmonic balancer. Does this mean the timing cover seal is bad and needs replaced?
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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 08:17 PM
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My bet would be yes. You may be able to sneak the old seal out and tap a new seal in without removing the timing chain cover.

The hole for the balancer bolt is a blind hole so it's unlikely that the oil is leaking through there.
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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by LemansBlue68
My bet would be yes. You may be able to sneak the old seal out and tap a new seal in without removing the timing chain cover.

The hole for the balancer bolt is a blind hole so it's unlikely that the oil is leaking through there.
Ya that is what I was thinking as well. I noticed a slight groove on the harmonic balancer where it's riding on the seal. I don't know what would be excessive but you thumb nail catches it.
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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by alconk
Ya that is what I was thinking as well. I noticed a slight groove on the harmonic balancer where it's riding on the seal. I don't know what would be excessive but you thumb nail catches it.
If your thumb nail catches on the groove, you will take out a new seal also. Measure the OD and get a 'speedie sleeve'. They go on quite easy, then a new seal and your good to go. NAPA has speedie sleeves.

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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by alconk
Ya that is what I was thinking as well. I noticed a slight groove on the harmonic balancer where it's riding on the seal. I don't know what would be excessive but you thumb nail catches it.
Several vendors sell a sleeve repair kits that fit over the groove area of the balancer. They sell for <$10.00 so that might be a worthwhile option. Google chev harmonic balancer sleeve and you'll see plenty of them.


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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by PeteZO6
Several vendors sell a sleeve repair kits that fit over the groove area of the balancer. They sell for <$10.00 so that might be a worthwhile option. Google chev harmonic balancer sleeve and you'll see plenty of them.


Pete
Thank you
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 08:32 AM
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One other tip...when you replace the damper, put a small dab of RTV in the keyway before you press the balancer in place. This will prevent oil from leaking through this groove, and dripping out when you remove the bolt (as you have already seen).
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 8valve
If your thumb nail catches on the groove, you will take out a new seal also. Measure the OD and get a 'speedie sleeve'. They go on quite easy, then a new seal and your good to go. NAPA has speedie sleeves.

8Valve
This is what your looking for;
http://vsm.skf.com/en-US/HeavyDuty/K...ediSleeve.aspx

8Valve
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by 8valve
This is what your looking for;
http://vsm.skf.com/en-US/HeavyDuty/K...ediSleeve.aspx

8Valve
is there a speedie sleeve or similar application to cover grooves on the crank so the rear main seal does not leak?
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
One other tip...when you replace the damper, put a small dab of RTV in the keyway before you press the balancer in place. This will prevent oil from leaking through this groove, and dripping out when you remove the bolt (as you have already seen).
Hmmm, maybe that is what the problem was as I didn't have an oil leak to begin with, it was just as I removed the balancer bolt.
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 7dSHARK
is there a speedie sleeve or similar application to cover grooves on the crank so the rear main seal does not leak?
Speedi Sleeves require one end of the shaft being repaired to be open. The speedi sleeve is put on over the open end and driven down to the proper depth. Then the bottom is peeled off (its deeply scribed) much like opening a sardine can. Since the crank end has the flywheel flange, it would not possible to install a speedi sleeve. To my knowledge on a crank rear seal surface the only repair would be to have the crank seal surface polished or if that does not work, then turned and polished. THe later woudl require a different rear bearing and seal. The crank would have to come out of the engine, ie some long bucks.

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