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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: SuburbanHunter on September 05, 2015, 12:19:17 pm

Title: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 05, 2015, 12:19:17 pm
77 K10 350/350...

I searched for this topic but surprisingly no hits. I need to re-install my harmonic balancer.  Most of the information I have seen on the web says "use the special tool" I have visited 2 auto parts stores and called another. No-one appears to have the tool and at 2 of the shops they talked to me like I was an idiot and said basically "there is no such tool. you just use a hammer and socket to get it started and then finish with the crank bolt. I have done it that way since the Truman administration on every type of engine. trust me". (I won't be visiting either of those stores again).

So, what say ye? I am pretty sure I could get it on the way they suggest but would rather do it the right way as many times I have screwed myself by trying short cuts and workarounds.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: zieg85 on September 05, 2015, 12:56:55 pm
77 K10 350/350...

 you just use a hammer and socket to get it started and then finish with the crank bolt. I have done it that way since the Truman administration on every type of engine. trust me". (I won't be visiting either of those stores again).

So, what say ye? I am pretty sure I could get it on the way they suggest but would rather do it the right way as many times I have screwed myself by trying short cuts and workarounds.

Thanks in advance.

I've not seen nor heard of that tool.  One may exist but I have never seen it.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: bd on September 05, 2015, 01:20:57 pm
AutoZone 27144 * (http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/harmonic-balancer-installer/oem-harmonic-balancer-installer/391373_0_0/)
AutoZone will loan the tool!  If you only need it for one time use, it's quite a deal!

Harbor Freight 40749 (http://www.harborfreight.com/pulley-remover-and-installer-set-40749.html)

NAPA BK-7768028 (http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Harmonic-Balancer-Installer/_/R-BK_7768028_0379558302)

Lisle 53460
(http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lil-53460)

OTC 4531 (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-4531)

OTC 6505 (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-6505)

Powerhouse Products (Comp Cams) POW300000 (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pow-pow300000/overview/)

Snap-On YA188G (https://store.snapon.com/Harmonic-Balancer-Installer-Harmonic-Balancer-P647046.aspx) or YA188MKT (https://store.snapon.com/Harmonic-Balancer-Kit-Installer-Harmonic-Balancer-Master-P807333.aspx)

Mac Tools TP1330A (http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Specialty-Tools/Puller/TP1330A/Master-Harmonic-Balancer-Installer-Set)

MATCO (http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/search.jsp?search=all&query=harmonic+Balancer+installer)

Although GM originally specified a hammer and J-tool driver, threaded installers provide better control and avoid distortion or damage to the balancer, crank, and radiator.  Installers are broadly available in many combinations (some standalone, some packaged with pullers) with prices ranging $25 - $140+ .

For occasional use try Harbor Freight.  If you plan on using it more frequently consider purchasing NAPA, Lisle or the Snap-On YA188G.  For commercial use where tool breakage is less of an option purchase OTC, Snap-On, Mac, or MATCO.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: zieg85 on September 05, 2015, 02:14:55 pm
Thanks Rich, I guess you are never to old to learn something new!!!  I did not know this existed cause I guess careful rap on a 2x4 to lessen the blow did the trick for me every time.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: jumpkickyergunt on September 05, 2015, 02:24:41 pm
Use the threaded tool that BD mentioned. Screws right into the snout and you just crank it in. Makes life so easy.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 05, 2015, 05:39:51 pm
Thanks All!

The 2 places that had not heard of the HB Installer tool were AutoZones. Anyway I am getting the tool now that I have part numbers! I am tempted to call the those 2 stores and let them know that it not only exists but they have them in their catalog if not on hand.

These forums are a tremendous source of knowledge, experience and entertainment.

Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 07, 2015, 11:09:43 am
Well I found the install tool. But now I have another question. The balancer that came off the engine I am removing is 1 5/8 inches thick and looks really nice once I cleaned it up. The one that came with the  engine I am about to install is 1 1/4 inches and looks like it was beat to death with a hammer when it was last installed. I mean serious hammer marks.

I'd like to use the thicker, unbeaten balancer but when I compare the side by side the timing marks are not the same in relation to the key slot. Does that mean they are from different applications or does that mean that one of them has had the inner part separate from the outer part? Is there a way to easily tell if a balancer has come unglued?

Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: enaberif on September 07, 2015, 11:30:30 am
Well I found the install tool. But now I have another question. The balancer that came off the engine I am removing is 1 5/8 inches thick and looks really nice once I cleaned it up. The one that came with the  engine I am about to install is 1 1/4 inches and looks like it was beat to death with a hammer when it was last installed. I mean serious hammer marks.

I'd like to use the thicker, unbeaten balancer but when I compare the side by side the timing marks are not the same in relation to the key slot. Does that mean they are from different applications or does that mean that one of them has had the inner part separate from the outer part? Is there a way to easily tell if a balancer has come unglued?



Harmonic balancers and timing tabs are different for different setups.

(http://s4d4.turboimagehost.com/t1/16431559_chronology_timing_marks.jpg)
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 07, 2015, 12:08:07 pm
Thanks very much enaberif for the quick reply! I will be using the one that came with the engine I bought.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 14, 2015, 02:40:14 pm
Well that harmonic balancer install tool sure works nicely. Which is good because I am going to have to use it again. I got the balancer installed, took the tool back, installed the pulley and found out that 2 of the 3 pulley bolts in the balancer are stripped out.

I am guessing it is probably not a great idea to drill and re-tap those holes so I am going to buy a replacement. I don't know the exact year of my engine but I do know it is the old style with 2 piece rear main seal. I have been looking on line and there are 2 kinds: internally balanced and externally balanced. How do I figure out which I need?

Thanks
Dan
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: bd on September 14, 2015, 03:27:26 pm
Both of the balancers you imaged are neutral balance.  You need the balancer for an internally balanced first generation engine.  Only the 400 Cu In small block (and 383's based on the 400 crank) were externally balanced.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 14, 2015, 03:31:05 pm
Thanks BD!
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: enaberif on September 14, 2015, 03:41:30 pm
2 piece rear seals was up to 1986 if I remember correctly then it went to a 1 piece setup.

2 piece rear seals are SOOOOOOOOOOOO nice and easy to do.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: Blazin on September 15, 2015, 06:12:14 am
Tool works slick as butter. I have one, bought it years ago.
I know my local Auto Zone has a rental balancer installer tool. I have seen it on the counter when I was there picking up an order of parts.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: Irish_Alley on September 15, 2015, 05:34:08 pm
autozone should have a counter mat that is on the parts counter. one goes into every loan-a-tool and other mats may cover parts of the front suspension. very useful if you know how to read.
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: SuburbanHunter on September 18, 2015, 11:01:53 pm
OK, I finally got the new harmonic balancer but the timing mark is not in the same place. I went back and looked online and I see the same part number for all the 350 engines for the years this engine probably from. I am trying to make sure I get the right one this time. I looked up the block casting numbers.

Engine Block Codes for CID 350

Casting           Years   CID          HP   Main   Notes
10066038   1994   350      4   Goodwrench crate motor, 2-piece rear seal, "Hecho en Mexico"

That is much newer than I thought it was. The guy I got it from said it was in a motor home that he guessed was from the early 1980s.

Is the diagram enaberif posted about 8 posts ago, mine is the 10 degree kind (which the diagram says is from 69 to Mid 80s. The one I just received is the 30 degree kind (post 1986). So my engine is really cobbled together from disparate parts it seems. Newer block, older style harmonic balancer, etc.

Anyway I just want to get the right Harmonic Balancer but can't figure out how to specify it on the websites. I got the new one from O'Reilly.

This is the wrong one:
PowerBond by DAYCO OEM - Harmonic Balancer
Part Number: PB1201N
Line: PPI
Limited Lifetime Warranty
UPC: 9317010212011
New Standard Replacement
Crank Bore (In): 1.245 Inch
Detailed Description
Powerbond OEM replacement balancers feature the strength and durability of bonded dampening rubber at a price point attractive to all automotive repairers and stock engine builders.With a unique combination of high strength castings, bonded dampening rubber and dynamic balance, the Powerbond OEM range is the ultimate standard replacement balancer.
 
Additional Details
Woodruff Key Included: No
Balance: Neutral, No Counterweight
Crank Bore (mm): 31.6mm
Hardware Included: No
Nose Outside Diameter (In): 1.763 Inch
Nose Outside Diameter (mm): 44.78mm
Overall Width (In): 2.343 Inch
Overall Width (mm): 59.5mm
Pulley Diameter (In): 7.992 Inch
Ring Width (In): 1.663 Inch
Number Of Bolt Holes: 3
Crank Trigger/Exciter Plate Included: No
Hub Material: Cast Iron
Installation Instructions Included: No
Minimum Weight Capacity: Regular
Outer Ring Material: Gray Iron
Overall Outside Diameter (In): 7.993 Inch
Overall Outside Diameter (mm): 203mm
Ring Width (mm): 42.24mm
Timing Marks Included: Yes
Brand Information

Thanks
dt
Title: Re: installing the harmonic balancer
Post by: enaberif on September 18, 2015, 11:13:55 pm
The easiest thing is to just buy a bolt on timing tab and adjust to where your truck is at TDC. If you need more help on finding TDC let me know as there are a couple of ways of doing it.