Installing harmonic balancer

I removed the FRPP balancer from the engine I recently purchased to change the timing cover. As expected I had to use a puller to remove it. Here is my question, how "hard" should this thing go on. When I slide it on the crank it slips onto the key just fine but then it stops sliding by hand. I think these things are tapered but I'm not sure. So, does this need to be installed by threading the bolt on? If so, the bolt I have will not work as it is not long enough to "reach" the threads. Also, it almost appears to be off center relative to the seal in the timing cover. Almost as though the key is forcing it off center. Maybe the seal isn't installed "straight". Everything appears to be fine as far as the crank and inside of the balancer is concerned (no marks or worn areas to speak of). Any thoughts.

 

rent/buy a harmonic balancer install tool , thats BEST way to do it, i installed mine w/o it , i slid the balencer on and put the bolt on and took the impact to it and it slid right into place , prolly not the best way but it worked

 

I've always just tightened the bolt to reinstall them ... You may have to tap it on a little until the threads reach ..

 

im glad im not the only one that did it that way, it works the same way as a tool

 

Leave all the bolts on the time chain cover loose ... that way inserting the damper will center the cover and seal and prevent leaks ...

 

hard thing about using the bolt is stopping the engine from turning. checkers, pep boys and others have loaners. have to leave a deposit but you get it back when you return the tool.

 

i didnt have any problem w/ the impact.... i can see problems w/ a rachet or breaker bar

 

I just stick a long socket extension in one of the spark plug holes to hold a piston ... keeps the engine from turning while tightening ..

 

THat's good Dan! At the same time you can enlarge your valve eyebrows AND lower your too high compression. hee hee

 

The extension goes nowhere near the valves ... it lodges between the top of the piston and spark plug hole ... haven't ruined the plug thread yet ...

 

Use a rope or an old cut fan belt Dan. No scratches that way.

 

I bet your thrust bearing has a different opinion.

 

uh oh , what do you mean?

 

The thrust main bearing in your engine keeps the crank properly located front to rear. They usually don't like to get hammered or "impacted". That's why they make tools to press on the damper. I've built quite a few small block Fords over the years, on every one I've been able to press on the damper using the bolt that holds the damper to the crank. That's with factory and aftermarket dampers.

 

I assume he meant "impact" wrench ... so it wouldn't have been hammered on ...