Topic: 22R Harmonic Balancer Removal - Need Help

[i_luv_my_truck]

Good Evening, I'm relatively new at posting.  But, I read all the time.

Maybe, someone can asset.  I'm trying to remove a Harmonic Balancer From a 1984 Pickup 4X4 22R, so that I can replace a leaky oil seal.

I've tried an air impact to remove the primary bolt, but no luck.  maybe a larger impact?  I've read around on the internet about placing the breaker bar on the frame and bumping the starter.  But, I'm concern about breaking the teeth on the flywheel.

I also read to place the vehicle in gear and remove with the breaker bar, seems like a lot of stress for the drive train?

Any, advise?  greatly appreciated.

Ernest

[reklund5]

Go buy yourself a 24" chain wrench from Harbor Freight.  I spent like $25.00 on mine and use it every day as a professional mechanic, so they're pretty decent.  It wraps around the outside of the crank pulley and has a long handle that your buddy can hold while you break the crank bolt loose with a breaker bar and socket.  In my experiences, an impact wrench doesn't do any good on a crank bolt unless you've got a REALLY GOOD 1/2" impact (think $300+) or a 3/4" impact and a BIG compressor.  I use the chain wrench/breaker bar setup on every timing belt I replace at work (usually 1-2 per day) and it works every time.  Also, it works great to tighten the bolt back after you put it back together (the torque spec is usually in the 200-250 ft/lb range).

HTH,

Ryan

[Mike D]

You must have a puny air gun mine takes them off every time. Just throw the breaker bar on the frame It won't hurt anything I've done it an so have many many others on this board

[WHITE_TRASH]

If the crank bolt has never come off since new it'll be stuck on there damned near solid.  Ive had a brand new strap-on impact running 160 psi get stopped cold by my 94 crank bolt. 

Im a fan of the braker bar to the frame aswell.  Just a bump or 2 of the starter is all it takes.

[kyle_22r]

why the concern over the stress?  a hard clutch dump is a heck of a lot more strain on the drivetrain than a  breaker bar could ever do..

[i_luv_my_truck [OP]]

Thanks for all the advise.  I chose to try the breaker bar and starter method, primarily because it seemed quicker and no additional spending required.   I hear that it's  done all the time.

It required minor planning.  Had to charge battery.  Remove plugs, for quicker cranking.  Elevate breaker bar approx. 5-6 inches from frame, so flywheel can pickup momentum.  My experience with breaker bar flush on frame, would just stop, need the the momentum from flywheel.

It worked!

Thanks again, 

Ernest