Re: Harmonic Balancer replacement on a 4 cyl
I finally started on it. I had to vacuum the boat first. It was parked under a tree for about a week. I know there's a reason we have trees, but I'm not sure I buy it. I live on a coral rock... don't need no steekeeng trees!
After vacuuming, I re-installed my engine support and lifted it up just a tad to remove the front support. Then, I installed the new seal, put a lubricant on the shaft, aligned it with the key way and slid it on about a half inch until it stopped. A two pound brass hammer and a REALLY big impact socket (2.5inch) allowed me to gently persuade it until I heard the tell tale ring of metal against metal. Yay! There is just enough clearance for the pulley and that looks just about right. That was so easy as to be anti-climatic. I'm OK with that.
Next, I cleaned the mating surfaces for the water pump and installed the four bolts to the front of the block. Lookin' good! Then I ran into my first snafu: the pulley seemed to be too tall for the pump pulley flange. WHAT!?!?! It seemed to rub, no matter what I did. I thought I had compared heights to the old pump, but apparently I messed up. Off came the pump and now I had both pumps side by side and sure enough: they are the same height to within .010 of an inch (by eye). I tried the pulley on the new pump and it clears just enough. Perhaps I need to make sure its flush to the flange (and tightened) before I dismiss it again. Cool beans. Now my break is over and I am heading back "in".
BTW, my GF tried to throw out that pump a number of times. I have made it a habit to hold onto that stuff until the job is done and the vehicle is test driven. You never know when you may need a widget off of the old part or it's not an exact replacement. Its a lesson I learned way back in high school and its served me well. As a mechanic, I found that the best part is that I get to start what I finish!
Can't wait to launch this boat.
