Deep hexes balancer bolt.....

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Nov 1, 2022 | 01:26 PM

grinder11

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Deep hexes balancer bolt.....

I have what I think is a totally logical question. Why doesn't ARP, or someone else, manufacture a balancer bolt with a longer hex on it? Say long enough to clear the steering rack by 3/16"-1/4". This would allow an open end tappet wrench to get between the rack and balancer, to turn the engine over when changing valve springs, setting tappet clearance if running solid lifters, etc. If there is someone already doing this, please share your knowledge.......

Nov 1, 2022 | 08:49 PM

feeder82

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Only because the limited market available for that particular bolt would make it to expensive to produce. My thought

Nov 2, 2022 | 08:06 AM

grinder11

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Quote:

Originally Posted by feeder82

Only because the limited market available for that particular bolt would make it to expensive to produce. My thought

I completely agree on the limited production. But, IMHO, why not make the longer hex standard on all bolts? Couldnt add more than $1-$2 to the bolt, and make it more useful to many.....

Nov 2, 2022 | 08:43 AM

leadfoot4

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Quote:

Originally Posted by grinder11

I completely agree on the limited production. But, IMHO, why not make the longer hex standard on all bolts? Couldnt add more than $1-$2 to the bolt, and make it more useful to many.....

Thing is, probably 98% of the cars on the road, have a balancer bolt that doesn't have the car's steering rack 1.5" in front of the harmonic balancer. Therefore, as mentioned, the market is VERY limited. However, I must say, you make a good point.....

Nov 2, 2022 | 11:14 PM

vette4fl

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@Mr. Black I believe MB once suggested that with the plugs out you could turn the engine over using the alternator hub bolt.

Nov 2, 2022 | 11:54 PM

Vetteman Jack

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Good point on making the bolt longer - why not make your suggestion to the manufacturer and see what response you get.

Nov 3, 2022 | 08:14 AM

leadfoot4

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vette4fl

@Mr. Black I believe MB once suggested that with the plugs out you could turn the engine over using the alternator hub bolt.

Earlier this year, I was doing some maintenance work on my C-5, and had it up on blocks, with the wheels just off the ground. I wanted to bump the engine over, and since I had the spark plugs out of it, I simply slipped the transmission into gear (it's a stick), and turned the rear wheels by hand.....

Nov 3, 2022 | 09:00 AM

grinder11

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Yeah, that won't help us A4 guys!! Good suggestion by Vetteman. I think I'll call ARP today when they open. It's 9:00 here in Florida, so they won't open for 3 hours there in California.....