harmonic damper installation help!!
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 62
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From: LaGrange Georgia
harmonic damper installation help!!
I am putting my 81's engine back together and when I installed the balancer, there is still about 1/4 to 3/8" gap between the back of the damper and the timing chain cover. Is this correct because that is as far as I can get it to go. Also, the front of the crankshaft is recessed about an inch inside of the front surface of the damper. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
I don't know how much clearance you'll have, but there is a shoulder on the snout of the crank that the dampner hits up against when it's seated.
If you're not sure, install the water pump pulley and crank pulley and see if the grooves line up.
I have been down that road before where it felt seated but was out too far. I ended up having to remove it and reinstall it, but with a lot of oil to lube everything up. I made sure the inside of the balancer was oiled, as well as the snout, AND the threads of the installation tool.
You are using the installation tool right?
If you're not sure, install the water pump pulley and crank pulley and see if the grooves line up.
I have been down that road before where it felt seated but was out too far. I ended up having to remove it and reinstall it, but with a lot of oil to lube everything up. I made sure the inside of the balancer was oiled, as well as the snout, AND the threads of the installation tool.
You are using the installation tool right?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: LaGrange Georgia
I'm pretty sure the key is still in place because I have already removed and reinstalled the damper once. I think I'll try the water pump pulley idea to see if they line up before I do anything else drastic.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: vassar michigan
Pull it back off and check to see the key is in place, it shouldn't be that hard to put on. If it is 3/8 inch from the coever, it isn't even touching the seal yet.
If the engine is on a stand, we routinely used a big compocast hammer and a block of wood to put them on, never heart anything. Done dozens.
If the engine is on a stand, we routinely used a big compocast hammer and a block of wood to put them on, never heart anything. Done dozens.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 62
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From: LaGrange Georgia
Pull it back off and check to see the key is in place, it shouldn't be that hard to put on. If it is 3/8 inch from the coever, it isn't even touching the seal yet.
If the engine is on a stand, we routinely used a big compocast hammer and a block of wood to put them on, never heart anything. Done dozens.
If the engine is on a stand, we routinely used a big compocast hammer and a block of wood to put them on, never heart anything. Done dozens.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
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I am putting my 81's engine back together and when I installed the balancer, there is still about 1/4 to 3/8" gap between the back of the damper and the timing chain cover. Is this correct because that is as far as I can get it to go. Also, the front of the crankshaft is recessed about an inch inside of the front surface of the damper. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
since the pulley bolts to the damper if all lines up your good