HELP Cannot get harmonic balancer off of SOHC

[NOVICOUPE]

I am part way through fixing the dreaded cam cassette guide ,timing chain problem on my wifes 99X.I am at the point where I need to get the timing cover off.Well I cannot get the harmonic balancer off.I already broke one cheapy harbor freight puller tool.I got a real HD one on loan from Advance Auto parts.Well I bent the bolts and then put new ones in an then broke one off in the balancer.Lucily it backed right out.Why am I having soo much trouble with this thing.Anyone every have this much trouble with one? Let me know if you have any tips on how to get it off.I am about ready to use a little gas wrench on it. Thanks Chip (NOVICOUPE)

 

[aldive]

Sorry you are having problems.

When I pulled mine to install the underdrive pulley/damper ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1377150#post1377150 ), mine cam right out with the pulley ( my only problem was getting room to work ).

Good luck ....

 

[CDW6212R]

Welcome Chip, do you have the old crank bolt out, or almost out of the threads? When you go back in with the pulley off, is the crank bolt virtually in all of the way? It seems common that the crank bolt will be left in or allowed to turn back in while pulling the balancer. It should not take too much pressure to get the balancer to begin to move. Please read this from another member having similar trouble. Good luck,
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205706

 

[NOVICOUPE]

re

Ok I think you guys might have helped me figure out what I am doing wrong. OK how big is the crank snout on the SOHC.I do not have the motor out so I cannot see the front inside of the balancer.Is the bolt just bigger than the threaded hole in the crank.When I feel inside is the part where the washer on the bolt sits the crank, or the dampner.I think I am actually pushing on the front of the inside of the balancer from the way the other post describes.I first tried to use a bolt that had a head just smaller than the stock balancer bolt.I could not get the puller centered.I then just put the point of the puller in the hole, I felt in the center of the inside of the balancer where the bolt came out.Does it sound like I am pushing against the balancer still.Also as for the bolt being torque to yeild are you sure it can only be used once.I bought some Ford Motorsport head bolts for my Mustang several years ago (they still sell them)They are TTY and they can be torqued 3 times before you have to get rid of them.Thanks for the help so far.Chip

 

[aldive]

If you loosen the attaching bolt and use that to "push on" with the puller, it should come on out.

I wouldn't chance reusing the crank TTY bolt. They are cheap enough; why take a chance? ( E7RY6A340B - $4.73 from Fast Parts Network )

 

[NOVICOUPE]

re

Ok I got it off.Thanks for helping me realize I am an idiot.I was pushing on the balancer not the crank.Used the stock bolt in snout method and it worked like a charm.Thanks again for the help Chip.

 

[CDW6212R]

Very good.