Hey Y'all, I hope you're enjoying the summer.

My balancer is rattling at idle. I'm looking at 1/2 in. tools and may do this one myself.

I'm confident I'll be able to remove it one way or the other. My question is about installation of the new balancer. Is an installation kit commonly used for this one, and if so would you be able to point me in the right direction about the size or other kit info? It seems like this should be a relatively simple job to uninstall -- but installation with hand tools seems like it could be quite challenging...

Thx!

For installing the balancer, most technicians would use a sturdy piece of wood such as a 4x4 block and a heavy hammer. However, there are harmonic balancer installer tools that will press the balancer in place with no hammer involved. This is a more professional approach.

your 90 * different than Alan’* 2003’*

Thanks so much for your comments. I looked up the bolt size and reviewed a few installation kits online. I might order a tool by proform that is specific to this engine type.

I'm not sure if others here have experience about installing/removing the balancer with hand tools. seems like most go with a power tool.

I'm hoping to have enough room to get the breaker and socket on there from above the engine compartment. I know the balancer assembly has to go in/out of the wheel well but having to apply the breaker to the bolt through the wheel well seems a bit wonky.

a mechanic is ready to look at it if need be so i'm not to stressed

Thanks again for your interest,

cheers!

as for tool the tool will be the same. The autozone OEMtools brand for rentals has been updated to now include the proper hardware for a 3800 and that goes back to the lg3 or the ln3 which would be late 80s to early 90s when it covers for sure. I’m not sure about the early fwd 3.8 but the rwd almost certainly don’t use a system because they may have been different balancers and the pulleys not as thick or rather not the same structure.

is your Buick a 1990? I have a new crank balancer for a 1990 olds 88 in a box. It’* a few years old but I won’t need it. I also don’t know if the bolt is TORQUE TO YIELD or not that year. I can check. If so, nust be replaced for fastenet integrity ajd torque values

...ha, i'm remembering the hood and how it would potentially be in the way of any significant extension of the breaker bar. transmounted...awkward.

Concerning the pullers and installers for harmonic balancer, it is possible that these could be loaner tools from auto parts stores. Autozone and several other auto parts stores have a free loaner program for tools that are not used that often. It is a great service to the do it yourself community. The list of items is quite extensive and can vary from one brand store to another so it may pay to check on this option.

hi betty, I have a 91 Olds with a 3800. I did my balancer with 1/2 inch tools and nothing else except a puller. I removed the plastic flywheel cover ( 2 10mm bolts ) and put a pair of vice grips on the flywheel to hold the engine. then took the bolt out, removed the balancer with a puller. when I put it back in and as I tightened down the bolt it pulled the balancer in. that was 10 years ago and everything is ok.. Oh, I did use a pipe on the ratchet to tight down until it got snug then I finished it by hand.

Thanks for mentioning the available balancer but I've already received a replacement part.

Based on two manuals, it seems the bolt is reusable if it is in good condition. I've ordered a new one anyway just in case it is needed.

I'm not seeing three bolt holes on the balancer cover and I am going to double check for knockouts. I think I saw one indentation near the bolt but definitely not any holes.

Thanks! I'm looking at it a bit more closely now.