Installing harmonic balancer

[ericcarr2000]

I will be installing a harmonic balancer on my 3.7 mercruiser. Can any one out there give me some hints on how to do this without pounding on it with a hammer? Can I just screw in a threaded rod onto the end of the crankshaft and insert a nut with some washers to install it? Also would it be helpful to maybe put the balancer into an oven and bake it for a while? The reason I ask is because im not sure if there is any rubber in it. Any information would be helpful...

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing harmonic balancer

By or rent the proper installation tool.

Also would it be helpful to maybe put the balancer into an oven and bake it for a while?

Absolutely NOT. there is rubber in the balancer. Get the right tool.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Installing harmonic balancer

Can I just screw in a threaded rod onto the end of the crankshaft and insert a nut with some washers to install it? Also would it be helpful to maybe put the balancer into an oven and bake it for a while? The reason I ask is because im not sure if there is any rubber in it. Any information would be helpful...

That should work. It is a 1/2 inch fine thread, so it may be hard to find the right threaded rod. I used a balancer puller kit borrowed from Autozone last time I did it, but I had to add a spacer about 2" long made out of pipe because the rotor is so deep (a deep socket might work). No rubber, but the magnets are glued on, so I don't know if heating is a good idea.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Installing harmonic balancer

By or rent the proper installation tool.

Actually the Mercruiser tool (J-21058-20) is essentially a threaded rod with a nut and washer LOL. Substitute a nut and piece of pipe for the long hex piece and weld or jam a nut on the end, couple of washers and you have it, and saved $150.