LSx Harmonic Balancer Install Tool

[1970camaroRS]

I got stuck at installing the harmonic balancer in my LQ4 build-up. I didn't have a tool to install it, and none of my local buddies had one. The price to buy one for just a one time use was NOT to my liking. So, I made my own very very simple tool. Cost me $8.45 in materials and $8.99 for a hacksaw (needed one anyway).

Here's the recipe:

1 M16 threaded rod with 2mm thread pitch. Just take your old crank bolt with you.
2" stack of washers
1 large diameter thick fender washer (the washer that comes with the ARP bolt is perfect of course)
1 nut
1 deep socket (mine was 24mm)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs604.snc3/31828_121098914576859_100000302545291_176901_33920 34_n.jpg

This is the first try...it was a bit too short.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs604.snc3/31828_121098924576858_100000302545291_176902_37882 35_n.jpg

Here's the second one I made, a few inches longer. Note the ARP washer on it.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs544.ash1/31828_121098927910191_100000302545291_176903_73769 3_n.jpg

Stack the washers on the ARP washer, toss on the nut and crank away!

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs634.snc3/31828_121098934576857_100000302545291_176904_47187 64_n.jpg

Viola! Crankshaft harmonic balancer is installed!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs544.ash1/31828_121098941243523_100000302545291_176905_13173 44_n.jpg

Motor gets installed soon...

[camcojb]

I'm just copying and pasting my replies from the other boards............. ;)

Yep, got my threaded rod and nut from McMaster-Carr, along with a thrust bearing (which spins instead of sliding like a standard washer). Works great, have used it many times.

http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/thrustbearings/60715kend.gif

Jody

[69MyWay]

That is awesome.

Since you can't reuse the crank bolt (torque to yield) - I took the old one and welded it to my Summit standard balancer pulley tool that I have used on Gen I and Gen II small blocks for years.

With that threaded on, I was able to use the rest of the bearing plate and parts that come in a standard HBP kit.

It also works to removed it :thumbsup:

The hard part with these is getting the massive amount of degree torque to install the new bolt correctly. If not tightened correctly it will come out and the balancer will slip.

[1970camaroRS]

The hard part with these is getting the massive amount of degree torque to install the new bolt correctly. If not tightened correctly it will come out and the balancer will slip.

I know, even with the ARP bolt the instructions say to use the old stock bolt and tighten to an insanely high torque, then install the ARP bolt with a dab of thread locker and it only calls for a mild ammount of torque.