Tim_001

hey just a quick question, with the harmonic balancer should there be a bolt in the middle holding it in and should it just slide off if this is removed, thanx...

useless

My AU has a big bolt in the middle of the harmonic balancer .hope this helps some..

WhiteOx

It won't just slide off ... You're gunna need a puller.

SikEF6

Yep, just swapped my harmonic balancer to my new motor. Undo the centre bolt first, this is easier said than done. If your car is manual then put it in gear, and undo bolt. Auto (like mine) presesnts a new problem. No matter what gear the auto is in the motor will still turn with the wheels stationary (Ie: Auto in drive engine at 700rpm foot on brake...) This means when you go to undo the bolt more than likely the engine will turn and the bolt will stay as tight as when you started. Now I'm not sure if this way is widely accepted. All I know is that it worked. Get your biggest (or your mates) breaker bar with the correct sized socket 7/8" does the trick. Put the socket on the bolt with the bar leaning on the lower right hand side of the engine bay. Then crank the starter for a split second. This way the engine cracks the bolt for you. (I know sounds pretty bush mechanic, but it worked safely) Then remove the bolt yourself. From here you will have to buy or borrow a harmonic balancer pullar (pretty cheap) to take it off. One last tip though. Only take the bolt half way out. so when you use the pullar it has something to push against, This way it won't damage your crankshaft, as the the pullar will try and pull itself into it.

Tim_001

ok thanx for that guys, i just bought an engine off a guy and it missing some parts including that bolt so wasnt sure wot to do next to get it off....

cheers

needturbo6

SikEF6- the way u said to crack to balancer bolt is the same way it was done to an EF when i done work experience at a FORD dealer ages ago, so its prob not as bad as u think.

SikEF6

mate the only thing i was suggesting to use the bolt for was so the pullar had something to push against instead of the pullar screwing itself into the front of your crank (not good!) Just search around for something else (like some form of dowel to put there instead) What else works great is one of the block-to-airconditioner spacers. I think theres only 2 bolts that hold the air con to the block, you'l find the spacers when you take out the 2 bolts. there about 40mm long and used in place of the harmonic balancer bolt will protect your crankshaft from damage. good-luck!!