3.0 harmonic balancer questions

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Feb 15, 2006 | 07:43 PM

farlem99

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From: West Tennessee

3.0 harmonic balancer questions

Next week I am swapping a rebuilt '96 3.0 from a Taurus into a '01 Ranger whose 3.0 went bad. The '91 intake bottom half will go on the '96 to get the truck coolant sytem right. I have already put Vulcan head gaskets on the '96, and new head bolts. The '91 distributor will also go on the '96 engine.

The issue is the harmonic balancer. The '96 motor's crank trigger apparently is fired off the harmonic balancer because there are triggering teeth on the balancer, and there is a sensor mounted above it. I can find no timing marks on it or the block. Am I missing something? And how do I set the timing when the engine is in?

The '91 balancer has the marks, but I don't think it should be swapped over, because it is "balanced" for the '91, not the '96, right? Sure would appreciate some suggestions.

Feb 16, 2006 | 06:03 AM

Rockledge

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You are correct about the '96 vulcan using a crank sensor and trigger wheel to generate the PIP signal.

I don't believe the crank pulley/damper acts as a harmonic balancer on the vulcan. I'd swap it over.

Feb 16, 2006 | 11:30 AM

farlem99

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Thanks Rockledge. If I swap the '91 damper to the Vulcan, won't that cause vibration? And where is the timing reference pointer on the '96 motor?

Feb 16, 2006 | 12:04 PM

Rockledge

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I think that as long as the crank pulley assembly is just a damper and not a harmonic balancer, then you'll be OK vibration-wise.

Regarding referencing the block for timing purposes, I thought you might be able to swap the front covers...? I suppose it's also doable by eye by marking the '96 yourself, maybe use a ruler and get it as close as possible. Even if it's a few millimeters off from being perfect, from there you should be able to time the ignition.

Feb 16, 2006 | 12:14 PM

farlem99

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Thanks again. I forgot that a damper is not the same as a harmonic balancer. Senior moments, you know. I can easily swap the front cover, it's just that the 96 motor's covers are all so nice and clean, and bright. It'll be faster to measure and mark than to swap the covers. I'll think it over. You've put my mind at ease on this.

Feb 16, 2006 | 12:40 PM

Rockledge

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Sounds like you're right on top of things, no need to worry. Even if there's a few kinks to work out, it'll get done right, in due course, for sure.

You might even take a comparitive look at the pulleys to see if marking the new one is worth considering.

Also, if you have a Haynes Manual lying around for the Ranger, it has several paragraphs on how to obtain DTC on the early 3.0L's by marking the distributor housing and then using the rotor as a reference. Maybe a Chilton's would have something similar in it, or even the "Help" manuals on the Autozone website. You can double check the timing marks that way, as well.

Feb 16, 2006 | 04:27 PM

farlem99

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Took a closer look at the 96's damper/trigger wheel. Discovered that the damper does have TDC and about 30 advance degrees marked off on it. A triangular shaped boss is cast into the front cover that looks like it could be a timing pointer. It is situated about 1/2 inch clockwise of the trigger sensor. Will measure on the 91 cover, and if this boss thing is close, will start right there with the timing, and see what happens. Will let you know in case anyone else has a question in the future. Then I could answer it too, of course.

Will check my Haynes book for the info on marking the housing where distributor goes. On the '96 there is some kind of sensor down in that hole with a wiring receptacle sticking up out of the block. Once that's removed, marking the block for rotor position will be a good way to get close before hooking up the timing light.
Thanks again.