C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

LT1 harmonic balancer won't budge

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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 02:06 PM
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Default LT1 harmonic balancer won't budge

i'm having trouble removing the harmonic balancer on my 94.. i've been rapping on the larger ring closest to the opti with a chunk of wood and a 3lb sledge hammer.. the thing won't budge. i need this thing to come off so i can replace my opti. (yes all three bolts have been removed) any help would be much appreciated!
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 02:30 PM
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you need to be under the car from behind the balancer and tap both sides on the inside ring then go up on top and turn the motor a quarter turn and tap and so on.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 03:17 PM
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ok, i will give that a try. time to jack it up!
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx7
ok, i will give that a try. time to jack it up!
You've been trying this from the top side?!
If you've been hitting the outer ring, I hope you haven't damaged it.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 04:01 PM
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Make sure you use a piece of wood, or something similar do you don't damage it.

A puller will fit, I used one to pull the balancer mount off the crank.

Just feed the bolts under the frame and over the PS cooler if you have one.

Move the PS cooler out of the way if you're worried about the fins.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 06:15 PM
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A little penetrating oil where the balancer sits on the hub will help. Shoot some in from the front side and the rear (accessible when you are under the car). Allow it to soak in then tap the balancer off using a ~12" long piece of 2x2 and a hammer. Often times you need to tap a couple times, then rotate the engine 90*, then tap again. Rotate another 90*, tap tap, etc
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 06:41 PM
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Please remember WD-40 is not a penetrating oil or a good lubricant. To help free stuck parts use Kroil or PB Blaster and let it sit for a while. They work.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by higgyburners
you need to be under the car from behind the balancer and tap both sides on the inside ring then go up on top and turn the motor a quarter turn and tap and so on.
this actually worked perfectly! thank you all for the input and advice!!
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 12:48 AM
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be sure to align marks on balancer and hub. they are large you cant miss them.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 01:22 AM
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while your doing this now is the time to do the hardest job the car, the front crank seal, water pump gear seal and opti seal. Be sure to use the proper tools or look up the tools you have to make in order to install the seals correctly.
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 09:26 AM
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water pump seal tool...
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 01:03 PM
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My link to water pump seal tool

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-p...tall-tool.html
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Old Aug 15, 2012 | 06:09 AM
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^^thank you!
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Old Aug 15, 2012 | 12:07 PM
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Also make sure to apply some anti-seize to the the balancer and the lip on the crank hub where the balancer sits. Next time you have to take the balancer off, all you have to do is unbolt it and it will fall off.
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