1986 Changing Harmonic Balancer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
1986 Changing Harmonic Balancer
While searching on here about my heat problem I ran across an explanation for why my timing light shows nothing. I checked it tonight and the balancer has definitely spun out of whack with the front of it being almost even with the timing tag. With the cross bar being in front of everything is it really possible to pull and replace with the engine in the car? Is the a step by step somewhere here to follow to replace the balancer? The power steering line looks to be low enough to pull the balancer without removing the line.
Any info appreciated.
1986 Corvette with 105k miles
Any info appreciated.
1986 Corvette with 105k miles
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
I replaced my harmonic balancer, remove the pulley and it comes off easy. The only trouble I had was with my back.
Last edited by coupeguy2001; Nov 10, 2012 at 09:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
It was a trickle and has stopped. I'm guessing the crank seal is bad and that's where the oil came from. There is oil all around the front of the engine. Surprised I hadn't notice it.
Problem now is the removal of the balancer. The center bolt on the remover is too long and is under the brace.
Problem now is the removal of the balancer. The center bolt on the remover is too long and is under the brace.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
DANGER QUICKSAND.......... that is the deeper you dig the more you find to do. Your explination of oil out of the crank bolt and on the engine front is an indication of a bad crank seal or timing cover gasket. This needs to be looked at. To replace the seal the timing chain cover must be removed which means this is a good time to replace that streached chain. The oilpan must be lowered/removed to replace the chain cover so with the pan off why not renew those wurn rod bearings? How about the oil pump? Well you get the idea.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
Don't let Muffin scare ya. You can replace the front seal without having to pull the front timing cover. Just be gentle to the cover when you pop the seal out. If you bend it you will be back in there removing the cover (to replace it), 'cause it will never stop leaking. 
I will say that putting the seal in will be the tougher part. Not much room to swing a dead blow.
I will say that putting the seal in will be the tougher part. Not much room to swing a dead blow.
Last edited by DanZ51; Nov 12, 2012 at 03:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
yes but not the seal.
The harmonic balancer installer can be used to install the seal with some really large washers. You just have to stack them up about an inch or so or use a piece of pipe that is the diameter of the seal, and just use the installer to get it on.
Don't forget to use some sealer on that seal before it goes into the cover.
The harmonic balancer installer can be used to install the seal with some really large washers. You just have to stack them up about an inch or so or use a piece of pipe that is the diameter of the seal, and just use the installer to get it on.
Don't forget to use some sealer on that seal before it goes into the cover.
Last edited by coupeguy2001; Nov 12, 2012 at 04:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
With agent's pic I figured out hot to finagle the bolt to get the balancer off. It is really off kilter. Glad I got it off. New one should be here tomorrow.
The timing cover is clean of oil. Does that mean I shouldn't mess with the crank seal? I would think oil would be all over it.
Thanks guys.
The timing cover is clean of oil. Does that mean I shouldn't mess with the crank seal? I would think oil would be all over it.
Thanks guys.
