HB Replacement....Time Frame Needed ?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
HB Replacement....Time Frame Needed ?
I'm not getting any bites in the Tech Section so I thought I'd post it here :
Guys,
I have noticed a oh so slight wobble so I think it's time to replace the harmonic balancer before bad stuff starts to happen.
I got the skills, that's not an issue. I got the tools, well most of them,and the Factory Service Manuals.
I have access to a lift at work and I also have 12 hrs in which to do it in...
( shhhhhhh, don't tell'em I'm doing it on Company time
)
Anyway, I know I'm gonna need a HB puller and Installer and a 250# Torque Wrench. Barring any unforeseen problems can it be done in the allotted time frame ?
Am I forgetting anything ? Anything else I can do while it's apart such as Seals, Gaskets, inning the HB, etc, etc. ?
Oh, one more thing ? Suggestions on a Balancer ? Not looking for anything fancy like under driver and such.
Guys,
I have noticed a oh so slight wobble so I think it's time to replace the harmonic balancer before bad stuff starts to happen.
I got the skills, that's not an issue. I got the tools, well most of them,and the Factory Service Manuals.
I have access to a lift at work and I also have 12 hrs in which to do it in...
( shhhhhhh, don't tell'em I'm doing it on Company time
)Anyway, I know I'm gonna need a HB puller and Installer and a 250# Torque Wrench. Barring any unforeseen problems can it be done in the allotted time frame ?
Am I forgetting anything ? Anything else I can do while it's apart such as Seals, Gaskets, inning the HB, etc, etc. ?
Oh, one more thing ? Suggestions on a Balancer ? Not looking for anything fancy like under driver and such.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
You don't need a 250 ft-lb torque wrench and using one actually requires YOU to be able to pull that much which I can't do.
You can put an extension on a lower range torque wrench which increases the effective torque while reducing what you actually have to exert.
I have made two different sizes for my own use (cost about $12 each) but does require welding which I did myself. Or, they can be purchased. If you are interested in what I did just PM me with your phone number and we can discuss.
It just requires a little simple math to determine what reduced torque you need to pull.
PS: If your 250 ft-lb torque wrench is very long then you may be fine. I did not want to purchase another wrench to maintain calibration on.
You can put an extension on a lower range torque wrench which increases the effective torque while reducing what you actually have to exert.
I have made two different sizes for my own use (cost about $12 each) but does require welding which I did myself. Or, they can be purchased. If you are interested in what I did just PM me with your phone number and we can discuss.
It just requires a little simple math to determine what reduced torque you need to pull.
PS: If your 250 ft-lb torque wrench is very long then you may be fine. I did not want to purchase another wrench to maintain calibration on.
Last edited by dadaroo; Jul 18, 2014 at 11:09 AM.
7th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Standish Maine
The LS style engine takes a three finger puller and a special installer. The traditional installer kits will not get it done, not sure about the new ones on the tool trucks. I bought my installer online, works great. The steering rack and a bunch of other stuff is in the way, but 12 hours should be enough. You can put a new seal in the timing cover but if you remove the cover you need a line up device, or leave it loose while you install the balancer then guess at the alignment, it does not have dowel pins. While you are right there it might be time for a waterpump and hoses? Hope this helps!
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 39
Likes: 16
I just went thru this and will add the following:
1. Don't forget a crank holding tool. I made a simple one that worked like a charm for both removal and install.
2. While you're there pop the seals out of all the tensioner/idler pulleys and clean and re pack them.
3. My wheel lock worked beauty for resting on the crank snout to support the puller.
4.My balancer had a nasty groove worn in it where the seal rides. Prolly a good idea to have a new seal in hand depending what you find.
1. Don't forget a crank holding tool. I made a simple one that worked like a charm for both removal and install.
2. While you're there pop the seals out of all the tensioner/idler pulleys and clean and re pack them.
3. My wheel lock worked beauty for resting on the crank snout to support the puller.
4.My balancer had a nasty groove worn in it where the seal rides. Prolly a good idea to have a new seal in hand depending what you find.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
Yes, it will reduce the force needed at the handle to exert a given amount of torque at the socket, but it won't increase the torque range the wrench can read. Once it maxes out, it just becomes an expensive breaker bar.
