Removing a harmonic balancer bolt on a Buick 3800 V6

[1southcide]

what size breaker bar did you use...I have a 1994 Buick Park Avenue 3800 tuned port injection...I need to get the harmonic balancer off to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor.

[moldymac]

@1southcide its a 1/2" drive Craftsman breaker bar, not sure how long.

[1southcide]

@moldymac ok thanks..I got the bolt out but i'm still having trouble with the HB the puller that I rented from autozon dosent have the correct size bolts I think they are M6 I found some but they are not long I could really use some help on how to get the stubborn HB off fast.

[moldymac]

@1southcide It's been a while since I did this on a newer 3800 that used bolts (the one in the video didn't require a puller). I think they were 1/4-20 bolts, but could be wrong. Make sure you buy grade 8 bolts, these things have a tendency to snap regular bolts.

[moldymac]

@1southcide I just checked my parts engine, its definitly not 1/4-20. The bolts that thread into it are a real fine thread that look close to 1/4-20, maybe 1/4-28 or metric. I bought 4" bolts when I did this on my riviera and they were too long, hit the frame and made it hard to remove.

[GammaRays134]

@moldymac They are 1/4x28

[GammaRays134]

@1southcide Get 3, 4" long 1/4x28 bolts, with some heavy washers and use the standard three-hole-type puller. works like a charm, Be sure to thread the bolts in well and evenly, and use oil on the threads

[1southcide]

@GammaRays134 I will try to find those bolts tomorrow I will let you know what happens.

[billo321]

It's 3:00 AM and this trick worked like a charm. I disconnected the plug wires, marked the top of the pulley and gave it a short crank to see which way it spins. "Clockwise," on this 3.8L GM.

Then I braced a 1/2" drive rachet with a 15/16ths socket against the frame like in this video, carefully cranked the motor a couple of times, and the bolt loosened, just like in the movies.

The trick is -- don't overdo it. Easy clicks on the starter until it breaks.

Thanks, moldymac.

[moldymac]

@billo321 Glad I could help!

[clubcar98]

Works great!

[MrTRUEBEST]

is there a bot in front of the harmonic balancer

[CODxFUNxMAN]

I did this and my engine turned over D: lol but i got it off im replacing my timing chain, my parts are preordered at Auto Zone they should have them ready for me. But let me ask you a question does your harmonic balancer has a tear on the rubber wall of it? because mine is like torn all the way around, I'm planning on going to a junkyard to see if i can find one for a cheaper price. Nice Video

[moldymac]

@CODxFUNxMAN Mine was just like yours, torn the whole way around making it into 2 clunking pieces. I bought my replacement off ebay for under $100. All of these fail, didn't want to waste my time with a used one that will probably do the same thing again.

[ladygodia]

The balancer bolt is actually pretty simple to remove. I wouldn't want to run the risk of damaging the starter, flywheel, or who knows what else doing this trick. You can actually get the balancer off by using 2 simple bolts and a wrench. You set it up so that the wrench end is jammed into the lower control arm or K member,car frame, or whatever, so that when you turn the pulley it wont budge. Then use a breaker bar with a cheater bar attached and remove the bolt from the top of the engine bay.

[smoleaj]

another trick.... moderately heat the bolt..it will release the locking agent and allow the bolt to come out MUCH easier!!!!

[JuniorTeddy1]

@smoleaj have to be cautious so as to not damage the crank seal.....

[charlestrubl]

i went through a little hell purchasing a nice electric inpact gun, WD40 and time...i watched this video and had the hard part of the job done in 30sec....thx so much for this video, it helped me immensely!

[MrCudaguy1]

Nevermind I see what u r doin. You were using the starter. I did that too and it just won't work.

[moldymac]

@MrCudaguy1 I had to kick it a few times to get it. I did the same thing on a series II 3800. Yours might be on really tight. Another way to get it off that works is put a pair of vice grips on the flywheel really tight. Put them on the wheel, not the teeth. It jams it up really good. I did that to torque the bolt down afterwards.

[MrCudaguy1]

How did u keep the motor from turning over. I'm trying to get the h.b. Off the 3800 in my firebird to replace the timing chain and it's proving to be a pain in the butt.

[cockbean86]

@MrCudaguy1 disconnect your coil wire from distributor and that will keep it from firing

[Torn80cj]

Anybody who doesn't know which way your engine turns, crank it first, and if the harmonic balancer goes clockwise, you are good to go with this trick. It shouldn't ruin your starter if it's just a few clicks to get it loosened. I've already saved over a thousand dollars just by watching these DIY vids for replacing inline fuel filter, breaks, serpentine, spark plugs and wires, and wheel alignment just to name a few things I did on my truck.

[daviddpb75]

GetRdone!

[mjt419]

Thats great i found this, but unfortunately buick in aussie cars are northsouth not eastwest

[exigaro]

it totaly works, after i spend 2 hours fighting a bolt! thanks

[Ajaces]

I'll have to remember that.

[Gillardx]

hum...i wonder could that hurt your crank?Seriously im just wondering,not being a prick or anything, just honest question

[DenLorsTools]

Honda engines turn the other way - if you have a Honda DONT TRY THIS AT HOME

[stickdriver55]

thats great for the starter.

[Tributetycoon]

I had to do that once too :-), Starter is still doing fine years later.

[moldymac]

@stickdriver55 Still working 2 years later!

[cmrudy]

Great Video, I tried earlier tonight on my 93 Celica and it worked perfectly. Thanks for posting!