I think I got big TROUBLE
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Andover KS
I can't find the thread now, but they were called a "band aid fix" by one of our very knowledgeable sounding members. The idea is that they are installed after the balancer is pressed on tight and they dig slightly into the metal on the balancer to keep the bolt from backing out and the balancer from spinning. I think they use a type of locktite on the threads also. I looked for 2 hours for the thread, but it started off as just an overheating or power steering problem or something along those lines when several very sharp members led him to check the balancer. It was part of a GM fix probably a Service bulletin where the crank was inspected, the balancer was replaced and installed by the old bolt, and this special one installed. I've also read someone else refer to this "fix" as a grit coated washer, but one of the members discussing the bolt was using part numbers while I believe another confirmed it. We need a GM parts guy to help us out on this one...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,475
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
I can't find the thread now, but they were called a "band aid fix" by one of our very knowledgeable sounding members. The idea is that they are installed after the balancer is pressed on tight and they dig slightly into the metal on the balancer to keep the bolt from backing out and the balancer from spinning. I think they use a type of locktite on the threads also. I looked for 2 hours for the thread, but it started off as just an overheating or power steering problem or something along those lines when several very sharp members led him to check the balancer. It was part of a GM fix probably a Service bulletin where the crank was inspected, the balancer was replaced and installed by the old bolt, and this special one installed. I've also read someone else refer to this "fix" as a grit coated washer, but one of the members discussing the bolt was using part numbers while I believe another confirmed it. We need a GM parts guy to help us out on this one...
To the OP, don't get distracted by proposed "band aid" fixes. Buy a quality balancer, use the proper tools to install, pin the assembly, and torque per the service manual.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
It was part of a GM fix probably a Service bulletin where the crank was inspected, the balancer was replaced and installed by the old bolt, and this special one installed. I've also read someone else refer to this "fix" as a grit coated washer, but one of the members discussing the bolt was using part numbers while I believe another confirmed it.
None of what you describe is an approved method for threaded fastener locking. I have an ALLDATA account and I've never seen that TSB (technical service bulletin) come through, do you know the TSB number?
