Need help installing Harmonic Balancer! Will this bolt fit?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Need help installing Harmonic Balancer! Will this bolt fit?
Just bought the vette yesterday and saw that the HB is shaking like crazy.
Lucky for me I was able to find a local part store that had a replacement in stock which I'll go pick up tonight. I had a little trouble finding a bolt though. The only one that showed up that would fit was this one at autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=228323_0_0_
Anyone know if that'll fit in the vette? In the description it says from 265-400 small block chevy V8s.
If anyone knows, that would be great since I'm heading out to pick up parts in a little bit.
If anyone can post a link to a how-to on replacing the HB I would be forever in your debt lol.
Thanks
Lucky for me I was able to find a local part store that had a replacement in stock which I'll go pick up tonight. I had a little trouble finding a bolt though. The only one that showed up that would fit was this one at autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=228323_0_0_
Anyone know if that'll fit in the vette? In the description it says from 265-400 small block chevy V8s.
If anyone knows, that would be great since I'm heading out to pick up parts in a little bit.
If anyone can post a link to a how-to on replacing the HB I would be forever in your debt lol.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 4
From: Rockford Illinois
Maybe... I would use the GM bolt myself. http://www.spectergtr.com/mm5/mercha...gory_Code=C363
Or you can pick one up at your dealer.
Or you can pick one up at your dealer.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
The only one that showed up that would fit was this one at autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=228323_0_0_
Anyone know if that'll fit in the vette? In the description it says from 265-400 small block chevy V8s.
If anyone knows, that would be great since I'm heading out to pick up parts in a little bit.
If anyone can post a link to a how-to on replacing the HB I would be forever in your debt lol.
Thanks
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=228323_0_0_
Anyone know if that'll fit in the vette? In the description it says from 265-400 small block chevy V8s.
If anyone knows, that would be great since I'm heading out to pick up parts in a little bit.
If anyone can post a link to a how-to on replacing the HB I would be forever in your debt lol.
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Just bought the vette yesterday and saw that the HB is shaking like crazy.
Lucky for me I was able to find a local part store that had a replacement in stock which I'll go pick up tonight. I had a little trouble finding a bolt though. The only one that showed up that would fit was this one at autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=228323_0_0_
Anyone know if that'll fit in the vette? In the description it says from 265-400 small block chevy V8s.
If anyone knows, that would be great since I'm heading out to pick up parts in a little bit.
If anyone can post a link to a how-to on replacing the HB I would be forever in your debt lol.
Thanks
Lucky for me I was able to find a local part store that had a replacement in stock which I'll go pick up tonight. I had a little trouble finding a bolt though. The only one that showed up that would fit was this one at autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=228323_0_0_
Anyone know if that'll fit in the vette? In the description it says from 265-400 small block chevy V8s.
If anyone knows, that would be great since I'm heading out to pick up parts in a little bit.
If anyone can post a link to a how-to on replacing the HB I would be forever in your debt lol.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
Yeah, a lot different!! The LS1 GM bolt is a stretch to yield, one time use and it's metric. You need a serious puller and the correct installer to do the job. Use the search function and you will get plenty of info. Don't mess with it until you get all the info or you could end up with bigger issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Yeah, a lot different!! The LS1 GM bolt is a stretch to yield, one time use and it's metric. You need a serious puller and the correct installer to do the job. Use the search function and you will get plenty of info. Don't mess with it until you get all the info or you could end up with bigger issues.
I found a 3 pack (3 sizes) of pullers at Harbor Freight for $15. I think it was the middle size that worked fine. I also understand that you can "loan" tools from several of the auto parts stores. You basically buy the tool, but when you return it you get all of your money back.
I made my installer by getting the metric threaded rod and some nuts and washers. Pretty simple, but quite a bit less $ than the specialized tools for essentially the same thing.
Good luck with your project.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Thanks for the info everyone, I'll have to stop by the dealership tomorrow and pick up a bolt.
Looked up a couple of threads and found a pretty detailed one on digitalcorvettes. Will have to study it tonight.
Looked up a couple of threads and found a pretty detailed one on digitalcorvettes. Will have to study it tonight.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Still gotta torque that puppy like a ***** either way, but at least with the ARP you're not fiddling with an angle-gauge.
Type in San Antonio in the search box. There are several ARP distributors there. http://www.easylocator.net/search/map/carbonpress
Last edited by LoneStarFRC; May 25, 2012 at 12:14 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Also, make sure you understand that the factory bolt is torque to yield, which means you're stretching the bolt. Once you torque it down you cannot re-use it. Hopefully you have a service manual. You're also going to need a strap wrench or something to keep the crank from turning while you tighten the bolt.
Good idea doing you homework before doing this. This isn't a fast job. The Cam swap write-up on LS1 Tech will also give you a pretty good idea of what the job entails.
Also... if you ever intend to do a cam swap now would be the time. You've already done 80% of the work when you get the balancer off.
Last edited by cdkcorvette7; May 25, 2012 at 12:30 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If you install damper bolt this incorrectly, it could cost you an engine rebuild!!!!! READ ALL THE SERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURESS!!! Unless the damper bolt is installed correctly, it will NOT work and you will either be doing the procegure OVER and OVER and OVER again or doing a LOT of damage!
Steve Doten covers this in great detail in the following post:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...hot-topic.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...nout-pics.html
The damper is part of the engine external BALANCE set up (especially if you have a six speed car).
MAKE sure that you mark the relation ship of the old damper to the crank snout so IF you have an imbalance issue after the installation of the new damper, you can have the new damper match balanced to the old one!
REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN COVER DAMPER SEAL! Its easy while you have the damper out. If you dontMurphy will make it leak one day after your car is back on the road!
If it were me,, I would up-grade to a LS2 timing chain, install a ARP Damper bolt and replace the oil pump with a ported LS6 pump or a melling high volume pump!.
Bill
Steve Doten covers this in great detail in the following post:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...hot-topic.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...nout-pics.html
The damper is part of the engine external BALANCE set up (especially if you have a six speed car).
MAKE sure that you mark the relation ship of the old damper to the crank snout so IF you have an imbalance issue after the installation of the new damper, you can have the new damper match balanced to the old one!
REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN COVER DAMPER SEAL! Its easy while you have the damper out. If you dontMurphy will make it leak one day after your car is back on the road!
If it were me,, I would up-grade to a LS2 timing chain, install a ARP Damper bolt and replace the oil pump with a ported LS6 pump or a melling high volume pump!.
Bill
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You're going to need a threaded tool to press the new balancer on. I believe there's a forum vendor that sells one. I would strongly recommend against using the old crank bolt as you won't be able to seat enough threads to guarantee that you won't strip some. Some have used the LS7 crank bolt as it's longer...
Also, make sure you understand that the factory bolt is torque to yield, which means you're stretching the bolt. Once you torque it down you cannot re-use it. Hopefully you have a service manual. If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. You're also going to need a strap wrench or something to keep the crank from turning while you tighten the bolt.
Good idea doing you homework before doing this. This isn't a fast job. The Cam swap write-up on LS1 Tech will also give you a pretty good idea of what the job entails.
Also... if you ever intend to do a cam swap now would be the time. You've already done 80% of the work when you get the balancer off.
Also, make sure you understand that the factory bolt is torque to yield, which means you're stretching the bolt. Once you torque it down you cannot re-use it. Hopefully you have a service manual. If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. You're also going to need a strap wrench or something to keep the crank from turning while you tighten the bolt.
Good idea doing you homework before doing this. This isn't a fast job. The Cam swap write-up on LS1 Tech will also give you a pretty good idea of what the job entails.
Also... if you ever intend to do a cam swap now would be the time. You've already done 80% of the work when you get the balancer off.
"If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. "WHOOOOO!!
I can hear that bolt now. PING,,PING,,,,, PING,,,,, SNAP!That data is WAY incorrect!!!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. You're also going to need a strap wrench or something to keep the crank from turning while you tighten the bolt.
A strap wrench does not have sufficient holding power to reach the desired tension on the bolt, a flywheel locking tool is required.
OP, I suggest you get yourself a copy of the service manual procedure for this job, if you install it incorrectly you risk damaging the crankshaft or having the harmonic balancer come loose in the future.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
"If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. "WHOOOOO!!
I can hear that bolt now. PING,,PING,,,,, PING,,,,, SNAP!That data is WAY incorrect!!!!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
I don't like the strap wrench method because it applies all of the twisting torque to the rubber portion of the balancer. The part that typically fails. I have heard it works though.
Best to get a crank holding tool that works off the flywheel.
The bolt shown in the opening post is way too small. It won't work at all. Wouldn't even thread in.
Best to get a crank holding tool that works off the flywheel.
The bolt shown in the opening post is way too small. It won't work at all. Wouldn't even thread in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Also, make sure you understand that the factory bolt is torque to yield, which means you're stretching the bolt. Once you torque it down you cannot re-use it. Hopefully you have a service manual. If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. .
2nd pass, NEW BOLT, 38ft/lbs and then 140
the new bolt/old bolt often gets mixed up, I'm sure you knew this, but others reading might now
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
.......and the service manual version......
1. Install the used crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt to 330 N•m (240 lb ft).
2. Remove the used crankshaft balancer bolt.
Important
The nose of the crankshaft should be recessed 2.40-4.48 mm (0.094-0.176 in) into the balancer bore.
3. Measure for a correctly installed balancer. If the balancer is not installed to the proper dimensions, install the J 41665 and repeat the installation procedure.
4. Install the NEW crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
a. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a first pass to 50 N•m (37 lb ft).
b. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a second pass to 140 degrees using the J 36660-A .
5. Remove the J 42386-A .
1. Install the used crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt to 330 N•m (240 lb ft).
2. Remove the used crankshaft balancer bolt.
Important
The nose of the crankshaft should be recessed 2.40-4.48 mm (0.094-0.176 in) into the balancer bore.
3. Measure for a correctly installed balancer. If the balancer is not installed to the proper dimensions, install the J 41665 and repeat the installation procedure.
4. Install the NEW crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
a. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a first pass to 50 N•m (37 lb ft).
b. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a second pass to 140 degrees using the J 36660-A .
5. Remove the J 42386-A .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
.......and the service manual version......
1. Install the used crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt to 330 N•m (240 lb ft).
2. Remove the used crankshaft balancer bolt.
Important
The nose of the crankshaft should be recessed 2.40-4.48 mm (0.094-0.176 in) into the balancer bore.
3. Measure for a correctly installed balancer. If the balancer is not installed to the proper dimensions, install the J 41665 and repeat the installation procedure.
4. Install the NEW crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
a. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a first pass to 50 N•m (37 lb ft).
b. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a second pass to 140 degrees using the J 36660-A .
5. Remove the J 42386-A .
1. Install the used crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt to 330 N•m (240 lb ft).
2. Remove the used crankshaft balancer bolt.
Important
The nose of the crankshaft should be recessed 2.40-4.48 mm (0.094-0.176 in) into the balancer bore.
3. Measure for a correctly installed balancer. If the balancer is not installed to the proper dimensions, install the J 41665 and repeat the installation procedure.
4. Install the NEW crankshaft balancer bolt. Tighten
a. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a first pass to 50 N•m (37 lb ft).
b. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt a second pass to 140 degrees using the J 36660-A .
5. Remove the J 42386-A .
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
The balancer is installed fully when it butts up against the cam gear. Something would have to be terribly wrong if 240 ft lbs didn't get it on that far.
A proper installation tool won't take that kind of torque to get it on all the way. Of course the thread pitch of such a tool is much finer than the stock bolt thread pitch.
New bolt is easy to tell from the old bolt. It has a lock tight compound on it.
The depth measurement could be different with an aftermarket balancer. You can measure the depth of the new balancer compared to the old with calipers ahead of time and do the math if necessary to get the final depth after install number.
Ron
A proper installation tool won't take that kind of torque to get it on all the way. Of course the thread pitch of such a tool is much finer than the stock bolt thread pitch.
New bolt is easy to tell from the old bolt. It has a lock tight compound on it.
The depth measurement could be different with an aftermarket balancer. You can measure the depth of the new balancer compared to the old with calipers ahead of time and do the math if necessary to get the final depth after install number.
Ron
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
"If memory serves the first pass on the bolt requires you to torque it to 240 ft/lbs then turn it an additional 140 degrees... not sure on those numbers so be sure to check. "WHOOOOO!!
I can hear that bolt now. PING,,PING,,,,, PING,,,,, SNAP!That data is WAY incorrect!!!!!!!
Oops. Fixed