hankfan79

Installed my harmonic balancer on my freshly built 370 today. Used a tool from Proform. I installed it as far as my strength would let me and I feel like it bottomed out against the crank. However, there looks to be a gap between the balancer and timing cover. Looks like it isn't installed all the way.
Maybe I am just paranoid but is this gap normal?

dreadpirateroberts

iTrader: (1)

there is a spec somewhere that states how big that gap should be. but, no, it isn't supposed to be flush against the seal.

G Atsma

Get the accessories mounted, then you will know by whether the pulleys align properly or not once a belt is in place.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

This. It is installed correctly per your picture.

hankfan79

Thanks fellas. I assume since it felt like it bottomed out that it was supposed to be like that.

qweedqwag

first pass use old bolt torque to 240 ft lbs
second pass use new bolt 37 ft lbs
final pass 140 ft lbs

hankfan79

Using ARP bolt. Set it and forget it. Thanks.

patSS/00

iTrader: (6)

The spec is for how much the end of the crank is inset from the balancer flange, without the bolt installed: .094 - .176. Easy to check if you take the bolt out. And you'd definitely have problems if there was no gap between the balancer and the timing cover.

lees02WS6

iTrader: (5)

This, I just did a balancer install on my ls3 and had the same question

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...r-install.html

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

I use some oil resistant sealer on the underside of the bolt head. Helps stop oil wicking thru the balancer bore.

joecar

Good idea.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

the crank bolt hole is a blind bolt hole.....jus sayin.....

joecar

I've seen some where the plug is missing (or has fallen past the crank and into the engine).

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

GM puts sealer on the bolt HEAD. Why? because oil can wick through the pressed area and the slot for a woodruff on aftermarket balancers. No sealer needed on the threads cause thats not where the oil would come from.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

^^ is it sealer or locktite ?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

They put locktite on the threads (dried) and sealer under the bolt head.

patSS/00

iTrader: (6)

There is no locktite on the threads from GM.

joecar

I'm about to install the ARP harmonic balancer bolt (it has a huge flat washer)...

where do I put sealer, locktite, ARP Ultra Lube...?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

You indeed seem to be correct sir.

bbond105

I have wondered that myself. I don’t think the sealer and ARP Ultra Lube will play well together. IIRC that is what the instructions call for.