Lt1 advice needed for replaceing opti spark
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Lt1 advice needed for replaceing opti spark
Hey how could i pull the crankshaft balancer without raiseing the engine so i could install the opti spark?ir if i nees to raise the engine how do i access the engine mount bolts?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 173
Likes: 7
From: Blk Mtn NC
Do you mean the crankshaft hub? I think the pulley/balancer will unbolt from the hub if I remember by repair correctly.
The only way I could get the hub off was with the special GM tool. It is expensive, you may be able to rent one from someone. Very tight quarters to the crossmember.
If you are interested in the tool and articles on it try:
This is the GM puller that I used. It is made by Kent-Moore pn J-39046
I bought it from:
http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=7181
There is an example of it in use at this web page:
http://www.karl-ellwein.org/lt1350y2k2.htm
The only way I could get the hub off was with the special GM tool. It is expensive, you may be able to rent one from someone. Very tight quarters to the crossmember.
If you are interested in the tool and articles on it try:
This is the GM puller that I used. It is made by Kent-Moore pn J-39046
I bought it from:
http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=7181
There is an example of it in use at this web page:
http://www.karl-ellwein.org/lt1350y2k2.htm
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
The balancer must be removed but it is separate from the hub which does not need to come off. The balancer is held on with 3 bolts plus "rust"
After removing the bolts take a 2"X4" and a BFH, from underneath the car slide the lumber over the front crossmember to contact the back side of the balancer then swat the other end with the BFH, rotate the crank and repeat until the balancer comes off the hub. The engine does not need to be raised.
After removing the bolts take a 2"X4" and a BFH, from underneath the car slide the lumber over the front crossmember to contact the back side of the balancer then swat the other end with the BFH, rotate the crank and repeat until the balancer comes off the hub. The engine does not need to be raised.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,628
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood, Arkansas
The balancer must be removed but it is separate from the hub which does not need to come off. The balancer is held on with 3 bolts plus "rust"
After removing the bolts take a 2"X4" and a BFH, from underneath the car slide the lumber over the front crossmember to contact the back side of the balancer then swat the other end with the BFH, rotate the crank and repeat until the balancer comes off the hub. The engine does not need to be raised.
After removing the bolts take a 2"X4" and a BFH, from underneath the car slide the lumber over the front crossmember to contact the back side of the balancer then swat the other end with the BFH, rotate the crank and repeat until the balancer comes off the hub. The engine does not need to be raised.
But be careful and only whack the balancer and not the hub itself. Its a two piece unit and you will damage the hub if you don't hit it on the outer edge.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
...place the piece of wood on the inner part of the balancer/pully. A 2X4 is too large though, use something like a 1X2. You need to turn the crank after 2 or 3 whacks so the balancer/pully comes off evenly. I think the center hub bolt is 5/8" and use a long breaker bar to easily turn. Best position is to lie right behind the front wheel. Looking towards front of engine, you will see part of the balancer/pully. The piece of wood needs to be about 3 or 4 feet long to reach. Get a sturdy piece of wood like pressure treated deck wood. Balsa wood will not work ! 
3 bolts hold the balancer/pully to hub. No need to raise engine or do anything outrageous for this procedure. It is easy....you just have to do it one time to see how easy it really is....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
I used a tie rod splitter from the top and was able to get mine off. Just hit it a couple of times then switch sides to rock it off. Seems a lot easier than trying to get underneath the car and swing a hammer.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: FUNKY TOWN TX
wedge
I wedged a tall socket under one of the trhee hub bolts and the other end of the socket against the crossmember. This kept the hub from turning while I loosened the other bolts. Maybe not the best way, but it worked for me in that tight space and no special tools purchased or used.
