Harmonic Balancer Install

[brodie123]

Hi All;

Mercruiser L6 4.1L

My harmonic balancer has spun (the outer rubber) and needs to be replaced. I have a replacement for it.

Getting off is not problem.

Installing is my concern.

With the motor in the boat and the mount removed, I have about maybe a foot of clearance for working.

I got my finger in there and there is no center bolt - just the V for the puller. Ugh.

If I pull this thing off, Am I going to be able to get the replacement on?

Any suggestions here? Please don't say to pull the engine - I 'really' don't want to do that.

thx

 

[harringtondav]

Two years I pulled the balancer on a 3.0L. Same issue. I loosened the front mount, hooked my chain hoist to the front of the engine and lifted it enough to get a good swing with my hammer. I used an oak block and a hand sledge.

If you don't have access to a sky hook, you may be able to get a short bottle jack under the front lip of the oil pan and block up with some thin wood.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can either use a crank shaft snout drilling fixture https://www.12bolt.com/store/p164/C...olt-283-327-250-235-261-230-215-194-Tool.html

or you can get the tool that holds all the damper bits in place while you drive it on with a BFH Kent Moore tool J-22197

you must first put the damper in the tool, then the tool assembly in the oven to 200 degrees, then, freeze the snout with a can of freon (keyboard cleaner).

then tap the damper on until seated.

and you may need to spend the hour to pull the motor to do it.

some good reading https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=672027&page=all

 

[brodie123]

Thanks. Lifting the motor I have a plan of how to do.

My main question is with around 1 foot of clearance, will I be able to hammer it back on. i.e. get enough of a swing

I'm not sure how much force is needed to hammer it on.

 

[harringtondav]

Thanks. Lifting the motor I have a plan of how to do.

My main question is with around 1 foot of clearance, will I be able to hammer it back on. i.e. get enough of a swing

I'm not sure how much force is needed to hammer it on.

If you have to raise the front of your engine over a few inches to get a clear swing at the crankshaft, I'd recommend pulling your outdrive, or you could stress the engine coupler.

I had to remove the front of the engine house on the boat I was working on to get enough hammer swing to get the job done.

Also follow SD's recommendations above. Heat the damper in a 200 deg F oven. Not any hotter or you may damage it. Then freeze the crank pilot, and hammer very fast and hard. Once the crankshaft warms up, any more travel will come hard and slow.