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Harmonic Balancer Replacement

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Old Jan 9, 2026 | 08:40 AM
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Harmonic Balancer Replacement

My truck started making a strange sound the other day. Thus far haven’t inspected in detail. However, when compared to another 7.3 my harmonic balancer appears to move significantly more. When holding a drift on the balancer for both trucks while running it stays flat with no bumps. Motor seems to run smooth throughout RPM range. Any tips for the balancer replacement?

With temps between 50-30 and work site a gravel pad concerned the motorcraft sealant (same one for oil pan) used on the key way will not cure. Is someone familiar with the specifications? Thought about doing the L-pop however thinking it’s best to wait until pulling the engine to replace the leaking timing cover.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2026 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by RigCity
My truck started making a strange sound the other day. Thus far haven’t inspected in detail. However, when compared to another 7.3 my harmonic balancer appears to move significantly more. When holding a drift on the balancer for both trucks while running it stays flat with no bumps. Motor seems to run smooth throughout RPM range. Any tips for the balancer replacement?

With temps between 50-30 and work site a gravel pad concerned the motorcraft sealant (same one for oil pan) used on the key way will not cure. Is someone familiar with the specifications? Thought about doing the L-pop however thinking it’s best to wait until pulling the engine to replace the leaking timing cover.
You might consider your time frame for pulling the engine and if you think continued driving would not be safe. No doubt much easier with engine out. The LPOP is certainly a no brainer while in there. I purchased some metric all-thread plus 2 hex nuts to pull the HB and reinstall it - the bolt in typical rental puller kits may not be long enough for reinstalling the HB. Overall it wasn’t a bad job; I have to work outside on cardboard on concrete like many other folks.
Wishing you the best.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2026 | 11:53 AM
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From: UT
Originally Posted by RigCity
With temps between 50-30 and work site a gravel pad concerned the motorcraft sealant (same one for oil pan) used on the key way will not cure. Is someone familiar with the specifications? Thought about doing the L-pop however thinking it’s best to wait until pulling the engine to replace the leaking timing cover.
I replaced my LPOP with the Melling 208 when it was 35 degrees outside. I used a blob of the Right Stuff for the key way and its held up for 4yrs now. Concrete and cardboard/carpet for me too.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2026 | 10:51 PM
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I suggest Permatex Ultra Black for the keyway. It is somewhat tolerant of oil contaminated surfaces as compared to Ford TA31 that needs squeaky clean surfaces. It also cures in a broader range of temperatures.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob
I suggest Permatex Ultra Black for the keyway. It is somewhat tolerant of oil contaminated surfaces as compared to Ford TA31 that needs squeaky clean surfaces. It also cures in a broader range of temperatures.
The Permatex Ultra Black in the aerosol can is fantastic!
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:00 PM
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Thanks for the replies going with the black rtv. Glad to hear it’s held strong when applied at lower
temperatures. Will replace the lpop now one less thing to handle when pulling the motor.
 
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