Replacing seal behind harmonic balancer?

[ChasingSand]

I have used these before. 
 

https://socalautoparts.com/product/flywheel-lock/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkNOpBhBEEiwAb3Mvvb2q3qW7zcIXrNKxDo2oA19LGdjzTx03NPem6bGqAU6XCrhrer0LLBoC3m8QAvD_BwE

 

[KLC]

A front seal will last a very long time unless it's installed into a front cover that's off center from the crank. An LS engine's timing cover has no dowel pins so it will bolt up and move around until the person installing it puts it in the correct location. That procedure is simple and can be accomplished without the use of the alignment jig that is available. It's out of the scope of this thread though. 

Fwiw, if you use the OEM balancer bolt it is a one time use part and it must be torqued properly or the balancer WILL spin on the crank causing unrepairable damage to the crank snout. Use the old bolt and tighten to 240lb then remove and discard, install a NEW bolt and tighten to 37lb and an additional 140 degrees. Make sure the balancer bolt hole in the crank is clean and dry, use no additional sealers or thread locking compound, and use no lubricant on the balancer to aid in installation as it is an interference fit on purpose, it has no keyway and friction alone holds it in place, 

An ARP bolt is actually a better option because it is not torqued to yield and it can be reused, follow the torque specs that come with the bolt.  And also, it is my belief that high revving LS engines would benefit from drilling and installing a pin to prohibit the balancer from spinning. The kits are widely available and is what you have to do when a belt driven supercharger is used. The kits come with a drill jig and drill bit and on a buggy with an open and easy to access balancer shouldn't take but 20 minutes or so to do. Reinstalling a balancer that has been pinned is a little bit of a challenge but I've done a few and I know it can be done with some patience.

And yes yes yes use an installation tool to put it back on, do not use a block of wood and hammer, and certainly do not use the bolt to pull it on. The installation tool threads into the crank and uses a nut and thrust bearing to pull the balancer on. Heating is not necessary!

GM fixed some of the design flaws of the LS engines on the newer LT, they now use dowel pins on the oil pan, front and rear covers and the crank has a keyway. 

 

[J Alper]

Any link to one of these that works with a VW bellhousing / LS setup?

Summit Racing SME-906008 Summit Racing™ Harmonic Balancer Wrenches | Summit Racing

this is to hold the factory balancer 

or the full kit, 

Summit Racing SME-K-906008 Summit Racing™ Manufacturing Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installers | Summit Racing

if you are using a ATI balancer than drill two hold is a long piece of angle iron and bolt up to two of the bolt holes, 

Factory would be the summit holder above 

 

[J Alper]

I have used these before. 
 

https://socalautoparts.com/product/flywheel-lock/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkNOpBhBEEiwAb3Mvvb2q3qW7zcIXrNKxDo2oA19LGdjzTx03NPem6bGqAU6XCrhrer0LLBoC3m8QAvD_BwE

This will only work if the motor is completely,  this would be a good option if the motor is out,  and if the motor is out, then change the pilot bearing, and throw-out bearing  

 

[EmpirE231]

Hit the bolt with a torch for about 1 minute and the big boy Milwaukee busted it loose. Thanks Jason for the tip. Now time to change the seal and reinstall. 
 

 

[J Alper]

Hit the bolt with a torch for about 1 minute and the big boy Milwaukee busted it loose. Thanks Jason for the tip. Now time to change the seal and reinstall. 
 

View attachment 84554

Anytime,  It does not happen very often, but put a little antiseize on the crank shaft and inner part of the balancer, just in case it does not seize on the crank,  

 

[EmpirE231]

Anytime,  It does not happen very often, but put a little antiseize on the crank shaft and inner part of the balancer, just in case it does not seize on the crank,  

Any tips on what to do / what tools to use to remove and re-install the new seal? 

 

[J Alper]

screwdriver sideways but i really like a seal puller for the front, 

Performance Tool W1219 Performance Tool Seal Pullers | Summit Racing

seal 

Gm original equipment seal - It says ACDelco but it is not, it is the GM factory seal, 

ACDelco 12585673 ACDelco GM Genuine Parts Timing Cover Seals | Summit Racing

 

[EmpirE231]

Does the bolt need to be torqued to 250lbs or can you just send it with the big Milwaukee impact?

If you can't just send it.... how do you keep the pulley from spinning when torqueing it down?  Motor is currently in the buggy... axles not installed yet. 

 

[Rorschach]

Transmission in high gear,

Have someone step on the brake pedal 

Edit; just saw last line "axles not installed yet"

Step 1= Install axles

Step 2= See above 

Step 3= Disregard this post

 

[funco4lizzle]

breaker bar and lock it off and bump the starter if all else fails 

Works every time

 

[J Alper]

Does the bolt need to be torqued to 250lbs or can you just send it with the big Milwaukee impact?

If you can't just send it.... how do you keep the pulley from spinning when torqueing it down?  Motor is currently in the buggy... axles not installed yet. 

I like the 8.0 battery with the Milwak you have, NO extension, socket right on bolt,  if you are using the stock bolt make sure it is a 5 point not a 12 point, 

Red locktite, silicone onder the head of the nut so the oil does not leak,   Hopfully you used a installer but if not, you can tap it on with a pipe and hammer, then hit it down with the impact, pull the bolt back out, add locktite and silicone, and hit it hard again,  

 

[EmpirE231]

Seal is replaced.... the loaner installer tool from O'rielly was the wrong size.  Ordered an installer tool to get the balancer back on.