crank pulley install?
crank pulley install? just wondering how i put the crank pulley on a ls1 crank? i have a installer but it seems none of the adaptors will work. any ideas? thanks john
Thats a step you do not want to skimp out on. You can damage your crank threads if not done properly. You need the special tool that will allow you to seat the pulley on correctly without damaging your crank threads. The tool can be found here:https://ls1tech.com/forums/tools-fab...tool-pics.html
I have not done it on an LS1 yet, though I will have to very soon; but I used to work at Mercruiser Marine doing engine R&D and when I would install one I would do the board and dead blow hammer technique mentioned above, worked fine on about 50+ engines. Those were old school small block and big block chevy's, but they arent that different.
Either buy or make a tool. I made a simple tool for under $20 which is just threaded rod, three nuts and some washer. It performs the same job as step 4 in the GM procedure below. Set damper on crank, thread in tool until it bottoms and then back out 1/2 turn, then use the nut and washers to push to hub onto the crankshaft. Here is the tool and the GM procedure. Note that this is an interference fit of around 0.007" - 0.0011" with no key, so pressing it on correctly is key for it not to come loose again and not damaging the internal crank threads.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
Either way will not work correctly....you NEVER want to beat on your crank pulley to install it....that is very much the WRONG way to do it....either purchase the tool or go to the hardware store and purchase the pieces to make your own and do it the correct way...you will not damage your engine buy pulling it on as described in the GM technical manual...good luck with your install...
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
When you beat on the pulley it transfers ALL the load to the crank's thrust bearing. These bearings are not designed to carry these types of loads. Thrust bearing damage can take out an entire engine. I bought the Hawks tool and it has been fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone. Or, make one. Either one of those options is the correct way 
I have made this tool before (did not need the piece in the middle between the nut and washer) and work on LT1's and LS1's All you need is the appropriately sized threaded rod and some grade 8 hardware (washes will bend if you don't). The cost was minor, the rod was the most expensive to find and I had to go to Mc Master.
By engaging ALL the threads in the crank you have now ensured that all the pressure extracted on that crank is not focused on 2-3 threads but all.
I will say that I get my pulley started with some oil/lube, and a slight tap with a dead blow hammer to get it sitting on there, just so its basically straight, the tool does the rest.
While the methods SOMETIMES works, more often them not your damaging thrust bearings and stripping out crank threads. EVEN if you use the 1" longer crank bolt.
I have made this tool before (did not need the piece in the middle between the nut and washer) ......
I have made this tool before (did not need the piece in the middle between the nut and washer) ......
VetteNuts - Thanks for posting up the GM procedure...
I used to do the hammer technique with work test engines, but definitely not worth the risk on my own engine (my own $$$) so looks like I will be making myself a tool!
I used to do the hammer technique with work test engines, but definitely not worth the risk on my own engine (my own $$$) so looks like I will be making myself a tool!
