I know that this is a real stupid question but I need to know what size bolt and thread count that goes into the balancer to hold it on. I know its a left hand thread. I recently did some work on the truck and can't find it anywhere. T.he truck is a '85 F150, 4.9l. The closest junkyard has a $35. min. and can be a real peckerhead about sometimes.

Thanks
Smitty

 

I don't know, did you call the local Ford Dealer?

P.S. If you used the proper installation tool,( I hope you didn't hammer the balancer on) or can find that tool at your local shop, then you will know what size bolt to use. The installation tool screws into the crankshaft nose tapped hole to press the balancer back on. Many places rent that tool, I bet they would let you look at it, then you could ask for the bolt that matches the tool.

 

5/8 x 18 threads/inch. The bolt on my '79 is a RIGHT hand thread.

This bolt should be available at a Ford Dealership for much less than $35.00. If you substitute a non-stock bolt, you may want to use a Grade 8 bolt, available from any good auto supply. Buy from a reputable source--there are lots of poor quality imported bolts on the market today.

 

Thanks all for the help, I appreicate it. One of these I'll tell you all how the bolt got lost.
Thanks again
Smitty

 

I fotgot to ask how long is it? 2"?

 

As far as the installation tool, i may be wrong, but on the straight six you dont need it, you just use the crank bolt to press it on. Thats what i have always done anway, tap the balancer on gently until the crank bolt can catch the threads and just tighten it up, should push the balancer on slow and straight.
Eric

 

I was able to get mine started just fine and used the bolt to pull the balancer on in. It will suddenly get MUCH harder to turn when the damper seats fully on the shaft. Make sure you clean the shaft off well, with emory cloth or coarse steel wool first, and make sure the damper is clean on the inside too. I see no reason that a little dab of grease would be a bad idea, but I would avoid over doing it.

Mine was right hand thread too. I think all 240/300 are. I have an extra old one from a 300 laying around. If you are desparate I could send it to you for a lot less than $35. But I'd rather not part with it, frankly.

 

I would think that ACE hardware could suply that bolt for about $0.19 cents

 

I doubt that 19 cents would cover it. It is a large, hardened bolt with what appears to be a special heavy washer on the end of it. I DO think that a reputable Ford dealer ought to be able to supply one, or you could get by with a good bolt of the right size and a doubled set of washers.

 

Well maybe not .19 cents but im sure they have some thing that would work.

 

If you do replace, make sure and get Grade 8 material, because grade 5 and below are used for shear bolts and things of this nature in farm equipment, and if this material is made to shear off under stress, there you go.

 

Thanks everyone for the help and advice. Iwent to the Ford dealer and got one. And the fat washer is extra, of course. Anyway when I went to install it, the original one was laying under the truck. Now I know it wasn't there when I dropped it. You reckon the bolt faries are jerking me around? It's eather that are a full moon. Yeah, bolt faries. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

hey, on the bright side... you got an extra one now?

 

That's true, unless the faries come calling again. Again, Ha, they never leave.

 

Oops i hate when that happens.