What's the best way to INSTALL a harmonic balancer?

[MercuryMarc]

I rebuilt my engine 1 year ago with the old balancer. Now it wobbles...
I installed it by tightening the center bolt. I am wondering if I should have used a "damper installer tool" like this:

My "new" balancer arrived last night from Damperdoctor and it looks very nice- I want to make sure I install it correctly.

Thanks!

 

[Bort62]

Using a Damper Tool is by far the best.

However, all a damper tool consists of is a peice of allthread, a large nut, and, a bushing.

The problem with using the bolt is that you get limited thread engagement with the damper all the way out. It is easy to strip the threads in t his manner (ask me how I know).

 

[jamyers]

Imho, that tool isn't needed, especially for the price I imagine they charge.

You can do the same thing for a LOT less money by getting a longer bolt to start the balancer on, then switching to the shorter stock bolt once it's well started.

Lots of times the balancer will go on far enough without help, or you can tap in on with a hammer (use a block of wood, don't beat directly on the balancer, and don't ever beat on the outer ring).

Hardest part is usually getting the key to line up and stay in place.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi there, I had to do this a few months ago. I was hesitating on buying one, when a friend told me that my local Autozone loans these for free. You do have to put it on your credit card but they don't charge unless you loose or ruin the tool. Hope this helps. I know they can be expensive if they won't be used often.

 

[Anonymous]

I replaced my balancer last weekend. I just tapped lightly on the face of the balancer with a mallet until it was in far enough for the crank bolt to catch 3 or 4 threads, then tightened the crank bolt to get the balancer in place.

Tap on it lightly... no beating!!!

 

[woodbutcher]

Also use a bit of antisieze compound on the crank snout.Will ease install,and if ever necessary removal.
Leo