Removing harmonic balancer Bolt issue

Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
I'm trying to get that harmonic balancer pulled to get to the timing cover. I am having a tough time unbolting that huge 1 and 1/4 bolt and was looking for a technique. It's turning the balancer and crank together a lot and I can't get a good bite on it. I tried the technique in pic to wedge it but it won't budge. Also, is there a tool used for this?
Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 9:12 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
I got pulley off but not balancer.
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 9:15 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,965 POSTS
Those are normally installed with torque and Loctite. Take a long box end wrench and let it hang down and out the bottom of the frame. Go to the rear of the engine and uncover the flywheel and use a bar to hold the engine, take a torch and heat the head of the bolt some to loosen the Loctite, then hit the wrench with a heavy hammer to break the bolt free. You need the impact to get it moving. If you have a good air impact, it could replace the box wrench and hammer.
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
I got an impact wrench. That got it off.
Does this show any bad wear, and can I use that aluminum cap in the rebuild kit -circled-to go on balancer? And do I just pull it off? What's the red fluid with that cap?
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Wednesday, April 6th, 2022 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,965 POSTS
Take some solvent like diesel or brake cleaner and thoroughly clean the snout of the balancer. You want it very clean. Then you can inspect it. What you are looking for is a wear groove in the area the seal rides in, a very minor one isn't a big issue, but if it's very easy to feel and see you have a couple options. Replace the damper or install that stainless sleeve (cap) you have in the bag. The fluid is Loctite bearing and sleeve retainer. For that you clean the snout so you could eat off it. Then use a fine scotch-brite (green dish washing pad) to scuff the surface just to break the polished surface. Then you apply the liquid in a thin layer over the surface and press the sleeve into place. Then wipe off any excess. Let it set for a few minutes while you install the seal into the cover. Now apply some silicone grease to the seal and gently install the damper using the installer tool.
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Wednesday, April 6th, 2022 AT 10:28 PM
Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
I got it cleaned up scuffed and used that red sealer on it then with wood tapped it flush with top. I see a slight opening at top, I assume that's okay.
I got a new seal in on timing cover and used a thin coat of that RTV from kit around outside of seal before seating it. Before install I will silicone it.

Can I get away with black RTV on that front piece of oil pan gasket that stuck to cover? Not really wanting to pull the oil pan / gasket.
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Thursday, April 7th, 2022 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,965 POSTS
Sleave looks good, don't forget to apply some grease to the seal though, you want it to have some lube until it gets oil covered. No problem on the RTV, just don't use a ton, you want just enough to seal and a tiny bit to squeeze out. Some folks apply so much it goes everywhere.
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Thursday, April 7th, 2022 AT 10:32 PM

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