LT-1 Balancer & Plug Wires
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Titusville Florida
LT-1 Balancer & Plug Wires
I know this may have been asked a million times but, I'm stumped.
I'm replacing my opti-spark on my 95. I'm having trouble getting the balancer off. The shop manual says raise the engine to get a balancer removal tool on, however, it also cautions against using the oil pan to raise the engine. I have always used the pan and a block of wood. The manual says that the oil pickup is close to the bottom of the pan and not to use the pan. What else is there other that an engine hoist?
Also how are the left side plug wires replaced. They pass between the power steering pipe and the block and it's so tight the boot comes off when remoing the old wires. The bracket for the pump has many bolts and supports attached, major work to move pump. I need help!
I'm replacing my opti-spark on my 95. I'm having trouble getting the balancer off. The shop manual says raise the engine to get a balancer removal tool on, however, it also cautions against using the oil pan to raise the engine. I have always used the pan and a block of wood. The manual says that the oil pickup is close to the bottom of the pan and not to use the pan. What else is there other that an engine hoist?
Also how are the left side plug wires replaced. They pass between the power steering pipe and the block and it's so tight the boot comes off when remoing the old wires. The bracket for the pump has many bolts and supports attached, major work to move pump. I need help!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
I did mine (on my '96) recently - I just used some PB Blaster on the balancer, removed the 3 bolts and then from behind the engine just put a 2x2 up against the balancer and tapped it with a hammer until it came loose (also rotated the engine a couple of times). I had wanted to take the balancer out and paint it, but it wouldn't clear the crank hub, so I just let it lay there - I didn't want to mess with jacking up the engine just to get the balancer all the way out. Here's a pic:
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
I neglected to mention, on the driver's side for the plug wires, just loosen the bolts holding the power steering pump on (you can rotate the pulley to get to them), and pull the pump forward slightly to get more clearance to run the wires.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,264
Likes: 88
From: O'Fallon Missouri
What you are reading in the shop manual is how to remove the balancer's hub. You only need to remove the balancer/dampner to change the opti.
"pianoguy's" method will work for the balancer.
"pianoguy's" method will work for the balancer.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
I did the same as pianoguy, I was able to rotate the balancer on the hub and did my best to loosen it up that way first, but the hammer and 2x2 did the trick. I removed the power steering pump pulley and the tensioner assembly to give easier access to that area. The tensioner comes off with one bolt, so that is easy, but the PS pulley requires a puller/installer, they are $28 at autozone, less at harborfrieght. A friend of mine has one so, I had no excusses. Even with that, you will still need to loosen the bolts holding the PS pump in place to slide the wires in between.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Last edited by Redeasysport; Apr 14, 2008 at 03:29 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, MI
Just pulled mine yesterday. Removed the pulley (not the hub) and was able to pull it right out from above. I removed the belt tensioner for wire access - 1 bolt holds it to the accessory bracket.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
Yep, I removed the tensioner, too - it came out easy, and I wanted to kill somebody when I was trying to get it back in place - LMAO!
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