7.3 harmonic balancer installation tool

ironworker40

NYC Ironworker
Joined
Dec 16, 2013
Posts
967
Reaction score
48
Location
nj
Can I use a longer bolt and the washer and press it on then use original bolt to finish it?
 

ironworker40

NYC Ironworker
Joined
Dec 16, 2013
Posts
967
Reaction score
48
Location
nj
I can't figure why they say you need a tool when I think the washer with a longer bolt would work. Rubber mallet would work too but as long as you dont miss and hit the outside and push it of its rubber.
 

The Warden

MiB Impersonator
Joined
Jan 12, 2005
Posts
7,356
Reaction score
39
Location
Fog Bless Pacifica (CA)
I did something very similar...I either found a long bolt or a piece of threaded rod that was long enough, then used a nut and washer to press the harmonic balancer on. Worked like a charm, and I still have it floating around somewhere.

I'm not sure what the proper installation tool looks like, but I suspect it isn't much different...
 

IDIoit

MachinistFabricator
Joined
Aug 26, 2014
Posts
13,438
Reaction score
4,186
Location
commiefornia
i slipped mine on pretty easy.
went on by hand until the keyway started.
2-3 whachs with a 2x4 and a baby beater.
i used the stock bolt and the washer.
MAKE SURE YOU HIT THE KEYWAY WITH RTV.
i also usd a bead of rtv around where the washer meets the ballancer.
it will leak if you dont.
 

PwrSmoke

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2007
Posts
807
Reaction score
23
Location
Northwest Ohio
Yep, if the snout of the crank is clean and the bore of the balancer is clean, it's not usually a problem. Goes even easier if you warm the balancer and install it on a cool crankshaft (I have used a hotplate to do that but you have to have some common sense about it). If you are working ina cold garage, even bring the balance in and placing it in front of a heater will make it easier. Without heat, just a few whacks with a good sized plastic mallet, or the wood and hammer method (use a hardwood if possible and oak from a pallet is usually easy to find), then the factory bolt to pull lit down (and exactly right on the RTV mentioned above) works fine. Warden's idea of an extra long bolt with a nut and washer is good too and is certainly a controlled way of doing the job that's exactly like the factory method. I have most of a dealer tool set and it has the install tool. I used it when I did the overhaul in '09 but it was just for fun. In, oh, 43 years of building engines I've installed probably thousands of dampers with one or another variation of the hammer method. Remember, part of being a good wrench is becoming intimate with the laws of applied force.
 

icanfixall

Official GMM hand model
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Posts
25,858
Reaction score
681
Location
West coast
Yes if its lubed and clean it will side on easily using the long bolt method with a washer. As posted make sure some rtv is used around the end at the keyway. If not its a leaker for sure.
 

IDIoit

MachinistFabricator
Joined
Aug 26, 2014
Posts
13,438
Reaction score
4,186
Location
commiefornia
As posted make sure some rtv is used around the end at the keyway. If not its a leaker for sure.


THIS DAILY IDI TIP WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THIS MAN IN TH FIRST PLACE.

you saved my life, and my driveway!
 

icanfixall

Official GMM hand model
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Posts
25,858
Reaction score
681
Location
West coast
THIS DAILY IDI TIP WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THIS MAN IN TH FIRST PLACE.

you saved my life, and my driveway!

I'm happy to help out another. But please remember. I did not wake up one morning knowing all this. Its many years of working on these engines and other lifes experiences. I make every attempt to pass along what I KNOW to work. If I pass along something I have never tried I do post that too but I warn all this has not been proven or done by me. I feel that keeps this site an honest site with no internet bull.
 
Top