1989 Buick Electra Harmonic Balancer

MELLING

MEMBER
1989 BUICK ELECTRA

Engine Mechanical problem
1989 Buick Electra 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive 150000 miles

I'm replacing the harmonic balancer (dampner) on my '89 Buick Electra front wheel drive 3.8l engine. I'm having difficulty removing the center bolt (only bolt) on the crankshaft pulley. I think it's torqued to about 220 ft lbs normally but I've bent 2 breaker bars, broken a torque wrench and also a socket trying to remove it. It's good and stuck. Could this be a reverse thread bolt? If not how do you feel about applying heat, being careful of the rubber mounting ring, of course? I don't want to risk snapping the bolt in half until I know it's not a reverse thread. Any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

2 Replies

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

It's a normal bolt.
Lefty loosey.
Righty tighty.

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Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 2:40 AM

MR62BUICK

MEMBER
12 POSTS

The bolt has loctite on it and yes it torqued ALOT! Take a breaker bar and socket to the bolt. Rest the breaker bar near the frame towards the rear of the engine. Now very cautiously, remove the ignition source for the coil packs, and bump start the starter. The torque will move the breaker bar upwards so watch your arm! Hold the breaker bar only by fingers. The torque of the motor and starter will turn the crankshaft and by using the engine/starter torque, the bolt will loosen. Make sure you retorque with loctite again when done. Also, the balancer needs to be press fit into the crankshaft, do not hammer it on. Use the correct puller and installer tools or your be buying a crank sensor too. Or better yet, take it to a repair shop, they have the right tools and if they dont, then don't let them touch it! Find a shop that can do it right the first time.