Harmonic Balancer--seeking help ???
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 132
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From: cameron mo
Harmonic Balancer--seeking help ???
making plans to install new gm harmonic balancer
and new timing cover gasket and front seal
this much is planned---
use hawk ls install tool
bake balancer in oven 20 min at 180 deg
use new ARP bolt
Questions---
1. should we treat ARP bolt same as gm bolt go to 37 lb ft and then
120 degrees
2. should we bother first using old gm bolt to 240 lb ft as
called for in service manual
3. should we use sealer anywhere around timing cover
example possible sealer all along bottom edge of timing cover
4. should we install a repair sleeve on balancer to insure less
leakage from front seal
all advice appreciated
thank you
corveteer
and new timing cover gasket and front seal
this much is planned---
use hawk ls install tool
bake balancer in oven 20 min at 180 deg
use new ARP bolt
Questions---
1. should we treat ARP bolt same as gm bolt go to 37 lb ft and then
120 degrees
2. should we bother first using old gm bolt to 240 lb ft as
called for in service manual
3. should we use sealer anywhere around timing cover
example possible sealer all along bottom edge of timing cover
4. should we install a repair sleeve on balancer to insure less
leakage from front seal
all advice appreciated
thank you
corveteer
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 408
From: Portland OR
I just put mine on this evening with ARP bolt.
I used an SLP underdrive balancer though.
Install tool, great plan!
ARP bolt to 190ft lbs using ARP lube on the washer and underside of bolt head and threads. It is not the same as the stock bolt.
ARP does not include destructions and there are none online either. I read this on the LS1Tech forum. 240 ft lbs is also mentioned. I pinned mine, I think 190 is fine.
I didn't torque the stock bolt after install, I cut it up and made my install tool out of it. I did torque and loosen the ARP bolt once before final torque.
Heating the balancer is probably ok, but I don't think necessary. The cold crank will just sink the heat right out during install.
There are no repair sleeves for the LS1 balancer AFIK. I looked!
You will need sealant at the cover to pan interface. And the corners where the pan meets the cover and block.
Important: Leave the cover loose while installing the balancer. You will want it loose enough to float on the bolts. This will allow the cover to align to the balancer. There are no dowel pins like a small block. Tighten the cover to the block first, 18ft lbs. Then tighten the bottom 2 that go into the pan.
Now, does this agree with Bill?
Ron
I used an SLP underdrive balancer though.
Install tool, great plan!
ARP bolt to 190ft lbs using ARP lube on the washer and underside of bolt head and threads. It is not the same as the stock bolt.
ARP does not include destructions and there are none online either. I read this on the LS1Tech forum. 240 ft lbs is also mentioned. I pinned mine, I think 190 is fine.
I didn't torque the stock bolt after install, I cut it up and made my install tool out of it. I did torque and loosen the ARP bolt once before final torque.
Heating the balancer is probably ok, but I don't think necessary. The cold crank will just sink the heat right out during install.
There are no repair sleeves for the LS1 balancer AFIK. I looked!
You will need sealant at the cover to pan interface. And the corners where the pan meets the cover and block.
Important: Leave the cover loose while installing the balancer. You will want it loose enough to float on the bolts. This will allow the cover to align to the balancer. There are no dowel pins like a small block. Tighten the cover to the block first, 18ft lbs. Then tighten the bottom 2 that go into the pan.
Now, does this agree with Bill?
Ron
Last edited by RonSSNova; Apr 2, 2012 at 03:46 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
A few of my notes added 
making plans to install new gm harmonic balancer
and new timing cover gasket and front seal
this much is planned---
use hawk ls install tool
bake balancer in oven 20 min at 180 deg
use new ARP bolt
Questions---
1. should we treat ARP bolt same as gm bolt go to 37 lb ft and then
120 degrees
No. Follow service manual to last step and then when it calls for the new GM bolt and torque to 37 lb-ft and 140 degree rotation replace this step with what Ron stated, i.e., ARP bolt with lubrication under washer, bolt head and on threads. Tighten to 190 lb-ft (note this was the value provided by ARP when I did mine, they may have updated and you should check with ARP especially if using their new lube).
2. should we bother first using old gm bolt to 240 lb ft as
called for in service manual
Yes. This ensures the hub is seated against the timing gear, which is what keeps it from spinning on the crank.
3. should we use sealer anywhere around timing cover
example possible sealer all along bottom edge of timing cover
As stated by Ron, use it in the corners where the timing cover meets the bottom pan.
4. should we install a repair sleeve on balancer to insure less
leakage from front seal
all advice appreciated
thank you
corveteer
and new timing cover gasket and front seal
this much is planned---
use hawk ls install tool
bake balancer in oven 20 min at 180 deg
use new ARP bolt
Questions---
1. should we treat ARP bolt same as gm bolt go to 37 lb ft and then
120 degrees
No. Follow service manual to last step and then when it calls for the new GM bolt and torque to 37 lb-ft and 140 degree rotation replace this step with what Ron stated, i.e., ARP bolt with lubrication under washer, bolt head and on threads. Tighten to 190 lb-ft (note this was the value provided by ARP when I did mine, they may have updated and you should check with ARP especially if using their new lube).
2. should we bother first using old gm bolt to 240 lb ft as
called for in service manual
Yes. This ensures the hub is seated against the timing gear, which is what keeps it from spinning on the crank.
3. should we use sealer anywhere around timing cover
example possible sealer all along bottom edge of timing cover
As stated by Ron, use it in the corners where the timing cover meets the bottom pan.
4. should we install a repair sleeve on balancer to insure less
leakage from front seal
all advice appreciated
thank you
corveteer
