Harmonic Balancer replacement questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 10
Harmonic Balancer replacement questions
Before I start I would like some information on a few concerns:
1978 Pace Car, L-82
1. Can this be done working from the top side i.e. through the hood opening?
2. Will the pulley and the balancer clear the front support when they are removed ?
3. When looking at the engine from the front what direction does the crankshaft bolt turn to loosen - CW or CCW
4. Does it help to warm the new balancer before installing for ease of installing on shaft.
5. Anything that would really screw me up or I could damage if I did it wrong?
Thanks for responses in advance. caryb78
1978 Pace Car, L-82
1. Can this be done working from the top side i.e. through the hood opening?
2. Will the pulley and the balancer clear the front support when they are removed ?
3. When looking at the engine from the front what direction does the crankshaft bolt turn to loosen - CW or CCW
4. Does it help to warm the new balancer before installing for ease of installing on shaft.
5. Anything that would really screw me up or I could damage if I did it wrong?
Thanks for responses in advance. caryb78
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Before I start I would like some information on a few concerns:
1978 Pace Car, L-82
1. Can this be done working from the top side i.e. through the hood opening?
2. Will the pulley and the balancer clear the front support when they are removed ?
3. When looking at the engine from the front what direction does the crankshaft bolt turn to loosen - CW or CCW
4. Does it help to warm the new balancer before installing for ease of installing on shaft.
5. Anything that would really screw me up or I could damage if I did it wrong?
Thanks for responses in advance. caryb78
1978 Pace Car, L-82
1. Can this be done working from the top side i.e. through the hood opening?
2. Will the pulley and the balancer clear the front support when they are removed ?
3. When looking at the engine from the front what direction does the crankshaft bolt turn to loosen - CW or CCW
4. Does it help to warm the new balancer before installing for ease of installing on shaft.
5. Anything that would really screw me up or I could damage if I did it wrong?
Thanks for responses in advance. caryb78
2. Yes
3. CCW
4. Yes
5. Yes. Use an installer tool. Don't try to pull the balancer on with the bolt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,795
Likes: 435
From: Aarhus, Denmark
And it is a easy fix to do your self.
Please remember to buy the size, that fit your engine, and maybe change to bolt.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 894
Likes: 91
You can heat the damper in oil and it will usually go all the way on by hand. Occasionally it will stop "short", at that point it can be drawn on the rest of the way with an installer. If it is still fairly warm it will go on with little resistance.
It can be handled with a pair of gloves during the initial install. With the "hot-oil" method the outer ring only becomes warm.
We do this on EVERY build from "stockers" to "racers"!
Thanks, Gary in N.Y.
P.S. Regardless the method used you should always know the exact (measured) press-fit, some need correction, depending on the brand of damper. This is usually noted with the damper instructions. This needs to be addressed first, slightly less important on 100% OEM dampers.
It can be handled with a pair of gloves during the initial install. With the "hot-oil" method the outer ring only becomes warm.
We do this on EVERY build from "stockers" to "racers"!
Thanks, Gary in N.Y.
P.S. Regardless the method used you should always know the exact (measured) press-fit, some need correction, depending on the brand of damper. This is usually noted with the damper instructions. This needs to be addressed first, slightly less important on 100% OEM dampers.
