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Harmonic balancer install question

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Old 12-26-2012, 09:35 AM
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Default Harmonic balancer install question

Well I went ahead and bought the dorman brand harmonic balancer along with the crankshaft sensor for the timing cover I broke when I was removing the old harmonic balancer. So I was hoping that if I put a some clean motor oil on the harmonic balancer and the nose of the crankshaft it would slide on but to no avail on getting it to slide on so I had my parents take me up to the auto parts store to rent the installer and let me tell you what with the little to no room you have it was a really big pain in the back side to get any where with using that tool, so after an hour of fighting with it along with some mild cursing I gave up. So I was hoping that there was an easier to to install this like using a block of wood and a hammer or something along these lines. Also I was able to get a hold of a air compressor to install that bolt for the harmonic balancer. So any ideas to help me get the harmonic balancer installed would be very helpful.
Old 12-26-2012, 10:37 AM
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You cant tap it on with a block of wood and a hammer? Then finish it off with the bolt?
Old 12-26-2012, 10:49 AM
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Well I was told I had to use the tool or I would either mess up to nose of the crankshaft or mess up a thrust bearing in the crankshaft. Well since the tool I rented is not working due to a limited amount of room I have to work with will it hurt anything to use a block of wood and a hammer or is that not recommended.
Old 12-26-2012, 10:17 PM
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I have replaced countless balancers. Make sure the shaft and the inside are clean and smooth, even a little burr will cause problems. Wiggle it a bit, slide it on and make sure it'* lined up with the key. Once lined up, put the bolt on and tighten it up.
Old 12-27-2012, 06:32 AM
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Well the new one won't slide on but just a little bit so in return the bolt doesn't even come close to the hole to do that.
Old 12-27-2012, 08:21 AM
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Can you compare the new one to the old one?

I have heard of tools to remove harmonic balancers, but never really heard of the NEED to install one.
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Old 12-27-2012, 11:17 AM
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Check the end of the shaft for any burrs, as well as the hole on the HB it'* self. As I said, even a tiny burr will cause a big headache. It'* a very close fit. I've had one or two that wanted to put up a fight. A fine file to bevel the end of the hole and wipe it down with clean oil, and all was good.
Old 12-27-2012, 03:21 PM
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I don't have a file but I do have some light grit sandpaper and may also be able to get a hold of some emery cloth. Also I have compared to two side by side and they look identical to one another. I personally never had this much trouble getting one to go back on.
Old 12-27-2012, 04:13 PM
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Start with the hole in the HB. I've seen a few where the edge is sharp, a tiny bump and it wont fit right. That'* why I give it a little bit to take that edge off. Make sure it'* clean after.
Old 12-27-2012, 04:31 PM
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So to do that what would be better to do that the light grit sand paper or the emery cloth?


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