Is there anyway that it could come off with messing up the threads? (Haven't pulled it off yet but I've read a couple threads that had this happen)

Is there any specific way it goes on?

Any comments will be much help thanks.

 

If you remove the large bolt and washer , then reinstall just the bolt without the washer , then you can safely remove the balancer with a common ballancer removal puller .threads are not exposed this way .

They make a simple tool for installing balancers but for a one time job it is not cost effective to purchase one . I have installed hundreds by hand starting the balancer then using the bolt and washer to finish .

Make sure you have some assembly lube on your seal before installing the balancer , and there is a woodruff key that aligns with a slot in the balancer so there is only one way to install the balancer .

 

The only smart way to remove/install a balancer is with the correct tool. Removal is pretty easy and the puller should have an insert that fits the snout of the crank to protect the threads. Getting the new balancer seated far enough on the crank without chewing up the threads absolutely requires you rent/borrow an installer from Napa or wherever. It's a "press fit" and even with the right tool it takes a lot of muscle to get it seated correctly.

 

Thank you guys for the input, sorry im barely responding just got home from work.

 

Put a sleeve on the v.d. when you have it off. And use the v.d. to center the seal of the t.cover on the crank, then ...carefully and with a 1/4" drive ratchet...tighten the cover in place.

Install new t.cover seal when it is off.

 

I don't wanna sound like a dummy but what do you mean by "Put a sleeve on the v.d. when you have it off."

 

The back side of the vd slips through the seal in the t.cover, and the seal rides on the round shaft of the vd. With time that surface develops a groove from the seal riding on it. The parts houses sell two types of gasket kits for the t.cover: one with a thin metal sleeve to slip over the shaft of the vd and eliminate the groove, and one without the sleeve. Putting on the sleeve is cheap insurance against an oil leak.

 

Thanks 250 for brushing that up for me, its better to ask questions then to just say yeah I know what you mean.

 

Everyone learns by asking questions. I'm glad to help.

 

Thanks again for all the help!

 

I've removed and installed the harmonic balancer a couple times and didn't even know there was a proper tool for installation. I usually just tap them on a few, and then seat them the rest of the way with the bolt.

What does the installation tool do differently?

 

The tool threads into the crank and uses a spacer/nut to force the balancer into place.

Harmonic Balancer Installer Tool Instructions - How to ToolCast from BoxWrench - YouTube

 

do you think they would have that at napa for rental??

 

Most of those chain parts stores have you pay a deposit equal to the price of the tool . If you return it then you get your money back and if you keep it , well you have already paid for it .

You have to have a tool for a power steering pulley . The one I rented from Auto Zone kinda worked once and was toast by the end of the job - cheap design / fricton washers . Anyway they said no problem and gave me my money back .

I needed an A/C clutch remover/installer and the number on the box was correct but all of the adaptors had been switch to different boxes (Autozone -$8 ) so I went to O'reilly and rented the master kit ($85) the last guy buggered up the threads on the size I needed so I took it back and just bought a new set to keep .

So much for the tool rental stories . I did buy a balancer remover / installer from eBay and it works well ( ball bearings)

They have the tool for about $30 including shipping .

Proform Parts Harmonic Balancer Installation Tool Chevy Small Block/Big Block (037995665150) | eBay

 

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I just have a question about the removal process. I spoke with a technician at Ford and was told that it didn't matter if the crankshaft rotated while I was trying to remove the harmonic balancer bolt. I rotated it a little bit and haven't successfully gotten it off. I ordered a chain wrench to hold it in place and I'm waiting for that to be shipped to me. Did I screw up the timing on the engine by rotating the crankshaft? It's a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer AWD V6 (4.0 SOHC). Thank you for any advice.

- Mario