Harmonic Balancer

[RedSN]

Any tips or tricks?
About to tackle replacing my harmonic balancer today on the '94. It's a Powerbond SFI 50oz 4-bolt balancer. Does the rad have to come out? I assume I'll need a puller?

[ZR]

Puller req'd.

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/d/d2/Balancer_puller_installed.jpg

[RedSN]

Thanks! Looks like I get to go to PA today :D
....also might be a good time to replace the timing chain cover crank seal?

[ZR]

Yes it would. No upside to having an old n hard seal against a shiney new balancer.

[fast Ed]

Some people will preheat the balancer in an oven to expand it a bit, makes the interference fit slide on easier.


cheers
Ed

[RedSN]

Great tip Ed, but I'm going to have trouble passing that one by the wife...

Planning on getting the installer tool also while at PA.

You don't have a seal you can ship me today, do you? ;)
(Should of thought about it earlier). If I can't get one today, I may be giving you a call tomorrow morning.

[ZR]

I might have a seal Don, want me to check?
Call if you do.

[RedSN]

Thanks Rick, but the more I dig into the job, the more it balloons. This is why I hate engine work: it's all connected.
Replace damper--->might as well replace seal.
Replace seal--->better to take the timing chain cover off.
Cover off--->time to do the water pump
Cover off--->timing chain should be looked at....and likely replaced.

So much for just replacing the harmonic damper today. Looks like I have an entire shopping list now.

[ZR]

:)

[The Newmare]

the back bones connected to the......you get the picture!!

[Intmdtr]

its a little far but i have a puller you could borrow.....

[RedSN]

thanks for the offer.
PA has one for the price of gas would be ;)


Next tech question: when replacing timing chain cover gasket, do you have to drop the oil pan?
Ordered the engine front kit (oil seal and cover gasket), but my parts guy is telling me his parts directory is recommending the oil pan gasket kit with it.

:shrug:

[ZR]

No need. Can use either the stubby portion of the pan gasket the kit includes or substitute a bead of silicone.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

If it's not been apart before, it should have a moulded rubber 1-piece pan gasket that can be reused. Early 80s and older small block Fords used the 4-piece gasket with cork sides and rubber end seals. With that style it was typical to cut off the exposed portions of the gasket once the timing cover was removed, and replace them with the stubby portions that Rick mentioned.

And I thought that I was "your parts guy"? :sarcasm:

[RedSN]

^^^ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation. I thought I read something about 'cutting', but I didn't understand.

And you are my Ford parts guy. I got the t-stat and gasket from you ;)
Front end gasket kit is coming from local parts jobber.
And a few trick parts from DaSilva's.

Spreading the love around on this project.

[caught3x]

i have some times loosen the first 2 bolts on either side just for alittle wiggle room..

apply a nice size ball of silcone at the corners and reinstall

[Stephen06GT]

Great tip Ed, but I'm going to have trouble passing that one by the wife...

Planning on getting the installer tool also while at PA.

You don't have a seal you can ship me today, do you? ;)
(Should of thought about it earlier). If I can't get one today, I may be giving you a call tomorrow morning.

Use the bbq for the preheat.

[Uncle Buck]

Did the water pump bolts come off ok? I broke 2 on my 95 and it made me sad.

[RedSN]

^^oh, don't say that! You gone jinxed the whole thing!

Genius idea about the BBQ Stephen.

[Uncle Buck]

Oops, sorry, thought that you were that far already. Might I suggest a little deep creep a few days before the operation.

[caught3x]

^^oh, don't say that! You gone jinxed the whole thing!.

no worries, gentle hands and if she fights ya tell her you'll put a chevy in her and then she'll let them loose