DodgeCharger.com Forum

Mopar Garage => Engine, Transmission, Rearend, & Exhaust => Topic started by: Hard Charger on December 08, 2018, 03:08:04 PM

Title: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: Hard Charger on December 08, 2018, 03:08:04 PM
looking for a harmonic balancer install tool.

the bolt is 3/4"-16

had no luck finding a bolt that size with tall threads

any ideas?
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: c00nhunterjoe on December 08, 2018, 06:26:34 PM
You should not need a tool to install. Many performance aftermarkets require honing prior to install to account for manufacturing tolerances between brands.
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: GreenMachine on December 09, 2018, 05:46:28 AM
I rented the install set from AutoZone and liked it, so I kept it. It's good quality and a little cheaper than I found online. Not only does it have all the pieces you'll need for most engines, it has the ball bearings too that helps with friction.
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: Mytur Binsdirti on December 10, 2018, 08:59:48 AM
Tap it on far enough with a block of wood and a hammer & when it's on 1/4" - 3/8", you can just drive it in with the factory bolt.
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: John_Kunkel on December 10, 2018, 02:02:57 PM
 :iagree: Been doing it that way for years. If the damper hub isn't a good tight fit on the crank it can cause fretting of the crank snout. AMHIK
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: c00nhunterjoe on December 10, 2018, 02:14:58 PM
Tap on a block of wood yes, smash with sledge or use an impact on an installer- no.
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: INTMD8 on December 10, 2018, 03:08:20 PM
Quote from: Hard Charger on December 08, 2018, 03:08:04 PM

any ideas?

If possible let the garage/engine get cold. Heat dampener hub with propane torch for 15-20 seconds and it will usually slide on far enough to finish with the bolt.

But yes, if it's an aftermarket dampener (ATI usually seems the tightest) you may have to hone as Joe suggested.
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: GreenMachine on December 12, 2018, 06:54:40 AM
I too have tapped them on enough to use the bolt, but the install tool is cheap enough to buy, or you can rent it for free. And you don't have to worry about damaging the threads in the crankshaft.

https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-harmonic-balancer-installer/oem-harmonic-balancer-installer/391373_0_0

Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: BSB67 on December 13, 2018, 06:52:01 PM
Stock balancer - tap it on and thread it up, or

Mancini has a longer bolt, or

Buy install hardware, or

If ATI, have it professionally honed to fit
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: birdsandbees on December 13, 2018, 08:20:09 PM
You mean I could market the fine thread aircraft bolts I have as a balancer install tool?? I'd better get right on that! What's Mancini charge for a 3/4" (or was it 1") bolt? I probably have a 1000 of each size.
Title: Re: Harmonic balancer install
Post by: Hard Charger on December 15, 2018, 08:04:26 AM
great advice
thank you.

i ended up buying the same kit that is posted. Bought it online for about $36 delivered. Did the job fine.

I have a older 383 with 3/4"-16 crank bolt an it was difficult finding a kit to fit this. Was also having trouble finding a bolt and nut to make my own. Found a bolt but the nut was difficult.