Harmonic balancer installation distance

RDANNENFELSER

MEMBER
2001 FORD RANGER
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
201,000 MILES

When re-installing a harmonic balancer on a crankshaft, how close should the hub snout of the balancer be to the seal in the timing cover when completely installed? Should there be at least a slight gap or should the balancer hub snout be just barely butted up to the seal? The harmonic balancer I'm installing has about 1 to 1.5 millimeters gap between it and the seal, but the pulley is not quite even with the pulley on the alternator when I use a straight edge to check. I may be able to press the balancer on slightly further but I wanted to check first out of fear of pressing it on too far and damaging the seal when the motor is fired up.

Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 AT 10:31 AM

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Good afternoon,

The balancer goes on all the way on the crank. It is torqued with the bolt to sit flat against the crank gear. I attached pictures and the procedure for you.

Roy

Installation

1. NOTE: Apply a drop of silicone gasket and sealant, securing crankshaft key in position.

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If removed, install the crankshaft key.

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2. Using a Crankshaft Vibration Damper Installer, install the crankshaft damper.
- Coat the sealing surfaces of the crankshaft damper with clean engine oil.
- Coat the crankshaft damper keyway with silicone gasket and sealant.
- Install the crankshaft damper.

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3. Install the bolt and the washer.

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4. Install the crankshaft pulley.
5. Install the drive belt.
6. Install the fan blade and the fan shroud.
7. Install the air cleaner outlet tube.
8. Connect the battery ground cable.

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