Which balancer install tool to use
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 14
From: Mulberry Florida
Which balancer install tool to use
I am ready to pull my balancer and install the new one. I have read some reviews on the proform tool and it has me worried about it breaking off in the crank. There were three that had that problem.It did not say if they held a backup on it or not. Just wondering what others have used. The engine is in the car which makes it a little hard to lean over and get both hands on it to make sure to not put any downward force on it. I will try and keep the wrenches up on top and to pull and push with equal pressure. It has me worried, the last thing is to break it off in the crank.
Thanks Lars helped with which balancer to get.
Larry
Thanks Lars helped with which balancer to get.
Larry
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I found that they are very easy to install if you first put the balancer in a sink full of hot water and also wrap a plastic bag of ice over the crank snout for about 10 mins. With the temp difference there was hardly any force required at all. Certainly nowhere near enough to have to worry about breaking off the tool.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Jan 28, 2019 at 01:44 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I use this one:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/kti-70343
The heat idea is a good one......I have a portable hot plate that I stick balancers on (snout down) and heat up for a couple of minutes.......do not leave it on too long of course as not to burn up the rubber ring.
With a fair amount of heat they slide right on........also make sure it is clean insde the I.D. and no burr on the key slot. Get it to about 250 degrees or so...(infrared gun)....don't worry about damaging the seal as it is not uncommon for oil temps to be 250 degrees when running.
Jebby
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/kti-70343
The heat idea is a good one......I have a portable hot plate that I stick balancers on (snout down) and heat up for a couple of minutes.......do not leave it on too long of course as not to burn up the rubber ring.
With a fair amount of heat they slide right on........also make sure it is clean insde the I.D. and no burr on the key slot. Get it to about 250 degrees or so...(infrared gun)....don't worry about damaging the seal as it is not uncommon for oil temps to be 250 degrees when running.
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; Jan 28, 2019 at 01:49 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Another trick was to put the balancer in the oven at about 200*. Of course oven mitts will be needed when you run with it to the garage. Also, put a dab of grease in the crank snout threaded hole before installing. (You can clean that out later) In the unlikely event the tool snaps off in the crank, you will have a better chance of removing the broken off piece.
And I never put the installing tool threads all the way into the crank for the same reason. Just snug it inside, never let it bottom-out.
And I never put the installing tool threads all the way into the crank for the same reason. Just snug it inside, never let it bottom-out.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jan 29, 2019 at 09:28 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
I have two.
My primary damper install tool is a professional piece made by BHJ & it ain't cheap and I don't loan it.
My backup (which I've never used) is a POS ProForm. It's my second from them as the first one snapped off in a crank. I sent it back and they replaced it. I keep it around in case someone really tries to borrow one.
http://www.bhjproducts.com/bhj_conte...ooling/hd1.php
My primary damper install tool is a professional piece made by BHJ & it ain't cheap and I don't loan it.
My backup (which I've never used) is a POS ProForm. It's my second from them as the first one snapped off in a crank. I sent it back and they replaced it. I keep it around in case someone really tries to borrow one.
http://www.bhjproducts.com/bhj_conte...ooling/hd1.php
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The one I used in the article/post that I did was the Summit G-1025:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1025/overview/
I've done dozens of R&R's with this tool with no issues or problems. I've added to the "kit" with various bolt lengths and sizes for different balancers, and I've added a bunch of different sized washers so I don't score and damage the tool with the bare heads of the bolts against the tool face. The balancer you bought will not need to be pre-heated using this tool - if you lubricate the balancer bore and assure that the bore is smooth, the tool will push it into position like butter - you'll be amazed how smoothly the old balancer comes off and how the new one goes on. Just make sure you get the crank snout key aligned with the new balancer before starting to push it on...
Ref. my post about balancer R&R here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...blem-post.html
Lars
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1025/overview/
I've done dozens of R&R's with this tool with no issues or problems. I've added to the "kit" with various bolt lengths and sizes for different balancers, and I've added a bunch of different sized washers so I don't score and damage the tool with the bare heads of the bolts against the tool face. The balancer you bought will not need to be pre-heated using this tool - if you lubricate the balancer bore and assure that the bore is smooth, the tool will push it into position like butter - you'll be amazed how smoothly the old balancer comes off and how the new one goes on. Just make sure you get the crank snout key aligned with the new balancer before starting to push it on...
Ref. my post about balancer R&R here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...blem-post.html
Lars
Last edited by lars; Jan 28, 2019 at 09:55 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 14
From: Mulberry Florida
I would like to say thanks to all for the reply, I feel a little better about which one not to use. It is one of those things the last thing would be to break off the bolt. I was thinking of using anti-sieze on the snout when installing. Is that a good idea, or not. Also would use anything on the balancer bolt when I install it.
Thanks again to all, You guys and gals are the best.
Larry
Thanks again to all, You guys and gals are the best.
Larry
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I would like to say thanks to all for the reply, I feel a little better about which one not to use. It is one of those things the last thing would be to break off the bolt. I was thinking of using anti-sieze on the snout when installing. Is that a good idea, or not. Also would use anything on the balancer bolt when I install it.
Thanks again to all, You guys and gals are the best.
Larry
Thanks again to all, You guys and gals are the best.
Larry
Use a moly lube on the tools threaded portion to ease install and blue loctite on the balancer bolt.....
Jebby
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I would like to say thanks to all for the reply, I feel a little better about which one not to use. It is one of those things the last thing would be to break off the bolt. I was thinking of using anti-sieze on the snout when installing. Is that a good idea, or not. Also would use anything on the balancer bolt when I install it.
Thanks again to all, You guys and gals are the best.
Larry
Thanks again to all, You guys and gals are the best.
Larry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
I made my installer many years ago using a lug nut and a piece of grade 8 threaded rod. I also heat the damper in the oven to about 250 degrees when my wife isn't home - it makes a big difference. A little oil on the crank snout, and a little silicone in the keyway. (Oil will leak out through the keyway.)
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I made my installer many years ago using a lug nut and a piece of grade 8 threaded rod. I also heat the damper in the oven to about 250 degrees when my wife isn't home - it makes a big difference. A little oil on the crank snout, and a little silicone in the keyway. (Oil will leak out through the keyway.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
I have two.
My primary damper install tool is a professional piece made by BHJ & it ain't cheap and I don't loan it.
My backup (which I've never used) is a POS ProForm. It's my second from them as the first one snapped off in a crank. I sent it back and they replaced it. I keep it around in case someone really tries to borrow one.
My primary damper install tool is a professional piece made by BHJ & it ain't cheap and I don't loan it.
My backup (which I've never used) is a POS ProForm. It's my second from them as the first one snapped off in a crank. I sent it back and they replaced it. I keep it around in case someone really tries to borrow one.
Guess which one the loaners come out of???
Rent the tool from O'Reilly's or Autozone, I've used theirs a few times without problems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 1,508
From: Little Rock AR
I have a Kent Moore tools for the LS motors crank gear and balancer. I said I would resell them after I was done with the job but they are just too nice to give up.
I also have the Moroso balancer installerP/N=61740
with the bearing, washer and big nut. That works fine for the Gen 1 SBC. Looks a little like the Proform but has never broken on me. Warming the nose of the balancer has got to help if you worry about breaking (cheaper) tools.
I also have the Moroso balancer installerP/N=61740
with the bearing, washer and big nut. That works fine for the Gen 1 SBC. Looks a little like the Proform but has never broken on me. Warming the nose of the balancer has got to help if you worry about breaking (cheaper) tools.
Last edited by stingr69; Jan 30, 2019 at 03:12 PM.