I have a '78 F-250 with a 400 and am trying to remove the bolt that holds the harmonic balancer on the crankshaft. I can't budge the bolt, is it reverse threaded? Also, I have read on here about using a fluid dampner to replace a harmonic balancer. My harmonic balancer it shot and needs replaced. Where could I buy a fluid dampner? Are they better than the old harmonic balancer? Thanks.

 

No the bolt in there is fine thread but is standard clockwise in counterclockwise out. On my last parts motor teardown I had to use a BFH on the end of my ratchet to get it loose..

There's two ways to get it loose. One use a big F@$& Hammer Like I did or get a BIG kick butt Impact wrench, If the crank turns as your trying to get it loose then pull out one of the spark plugs get the piston down alittle and put a piece of woolven rope in the cyclinder about 8" fed in the hole will do and then bring piston to top and jam the crank once you get it loose back the crank up and take out the Rope ...

As for what dampner to use, I have fluid on both my motors but at $350.00 + a pop, If you don't need it for there SFI Specs. I'd look at the reg. ones.

 

I think the torque spec for that bolt is 125-135 Ft lbs

Dennis https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=1733&.jpg



Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"


78 F-150 429CJ,Silver
w/Explorer Pkge.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon

 

Thanks for the help. I still have not got it loose, guess I'll go find a bigger hammer!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 19-Feb-02 AT 04:15 PM (EST)] A piece of conduit makes a great extention for a breaker bar. i've got one about 2' long. I wouldn't use it on a ratchet though.

Bear Tracks

 

well, Im not the greatest with this sort of thing, but when i tore my engine apart i had about 4 bolts that i coulnt budge. I used a torch and heated around the bolt and got it red hot, then i put the breaker bar on it with a 1/2 in socket. When i tried gettin it off, it came off pretty easy.. DONT KNOW IF IT WILL WORK, but its a SUGGESTION....