andrem

Hey,

I know this has been covered to some degree before but I have a few questions about tackling this job. I've currently removed the front bumper to gain access to the balancer, for removal.

Trying to get the balancer bolt off, the engine keeps turning over - will this in any way affect timing? I guess no but never hurts to ask.

What's the easiest way to stop the engine turning over? I won't drop the oil pan or grab the flexplate with a vice and rather not use a metal piston stop tool, since i've heard only bad things about them and the bolt will probably be quite stuck.

Also, the balancer itself - the new one has 6 holes, 3 a bit bigger and 3 smaller ones but the one on the engine doesnt and I really can't make out if the holes are threaded - is it possible to have a balancer without threaded holes??

Thats it for now, thanks!

highmileage

Turning won't affect timing.
If you don't have an impact available, try wedging a bar or a "BIG" screwdriver through the balancer and against the block. You can also use a jerking(jarring) motion against the socket wrench to help break it free.
Have no clue about the balancer w/o some pics, but it should have threaded holes for the remover.

andrem

Alright, ill try the handle of a screwdriver and see if that works.

I'll get some pics of the balancer and the new one for comparison

freegdr

Theress deff holes there...If I remember correctly I used a two arm puller on mine to get it off as mine had came completely in too.

scottmphoto

You shouldn't of had to remove the bumper to get to it. Most puller sets are universal and come with an assortment of bolts. On mine, it uses the three medium sized bolts and they fit into the three smaller holes closest to the center. I don't think the three larger holes are net threaded but, I could be wrong.

XJwonders

If u left the serpentine belt on, u would be able to break it loose.

5-90

As long as the timing chain & distributor aren't disturbed, timing is a non-issue.

Make sure you use a "crowfoot" type puller, if you aren't already!

As far as holding the engine? I like to take the belt off and use a chain wrench or a strap wrench around the pully, in opposition to the turning. Keeps everything where I can reach it, y'know?

XJwonders

^^^ this is good advice.

I was stranded on a parking lot. Didn't had a crowbar so I left the belt on while I broke the bolt loose.

884x4

When I did my crank seal I left the belt on for removal of the bolt but I did have to shove a huge screwdriver in there to stop the pully from turning.

XJwonders

Oh wait a min. That's right I remember now. I put two bolts in the threaded holes and put a screwdriver in there and broke the crank bolt loose. Because the belt broke when the pulley hit the mechanical fan.

andrem

I removed it since i'm replacing it anyway, so it would've been removed sooner or later and I chose sooner since it was easier to gain access

Probably, but the belt is off and gone - don't feel like fitting a fresh belt on just for that

Hm, I don't really get what you're implying. The balancer is quite big but my chain wrench might fit but how will that hold against the balancer moving? I've tried to jam something in the balancers spacing but it has so much force i'm scared of braking something.

Fyi; i'm not sure the balancer has ever been changed.


You just shoved it in the spacing in the balancer? Against the engineblock?

Pelican

I've done this twice with a regular strap wrench (two in a packet from Lowes). Obviously have to brace it against something. Never tried a chain wrench.

andrem

Has to be quite a big strap wrench then. But so I'm understanding in correctly, you strap it around the balancer, brace it against something and just try to break the bolt loose with the wrench handle keeping it from turning?

XJwonders

Why do t u just put on two bolts in threaded holes on pulley itself and put a large screwdriver between bolts and loosen up the center bolt with a ratchet

andrem

And what will that screwdriver hook on too? Since there's a lot of hoses etc around and I need something that can withstand pressure without breaking - the screws are not that thick mind you.