balancer wont come off!!!! help ASAP

sn95gt19 · 02-03-2003, 07:28 PM

its for my grand am 3.3 liter, it doesnt use a traditional puller there are 3 slots in the balancer and no threaded holes. i have tried heating it and prying it, but nothing has worked so far. i need to get this off asap so i can change the crank position sensor.

bigred90gt · 02-03-2003, 07:48 PM

I know you probably thought of this, but check to make sure you removed the bolt and washer. I have done that and actually twisted the bolt in the puller. Do you have any other type of puller? You can try the pullers that have the hooked arms that swing on a pivot (make sense?). Or, try prying on both sides with prybars at the same time. Use the oilpan or the block for leverage. Thats the best I can do.

Caymon

PS - Try checking some Grand Am forums. You might have better luck. Just a thought.

88workcar · 02-03-2003, 08:02 PM

You can rent the correct puller at any "chain" auto parts store

Old Guy with 87 GT · 02-03-2003, 09:15 PM

to add to what 88workcar said ....most chain parts stores can look up in there computer what kind of puller it takes too,..... usually just cost 20-30 dollar deposit ,saves alot of headaches

sn95gt19 · 02-03-2003, 10:09 PM

its a "special" puller that is only used on that motor, cost $126...........this is a bunch of bs. im not a moron, yes i took the bolt out, lol. the damn thing is too big to use a gear puller (the ones with the "hooks" on them) the tool company i called told me that they were the only ones that made the puller. i'll call around tomorrow and see if i can find one.

87BOSS351C · 02-04-2003, 08:27 AM

There are 3 small bolts recessed in the balancer around the center crank bolt. My dad just went through this with a 3.3 in an Olds Ciera. It comes right off without the special puller once you take the bolts out. Also, be careful that you don't bend the sheet metal tabs on the back side of the balancer. If you do they will rub the new crank sensor and ruin it. Plus the car won't stay running at idle since the tabs are what trigger the ignition. It's not a good idea to heat a harmonic balancer either, since they have a rubber ring in them. You may want to look into getting a different one at a junk yard just to be safe, and you'll need it if the little tabs are bent.

Hope this helps.

PKRWUD · 02-04-2003, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 87BOSS351C
There are 3 small bolts recessed in the balancer around the center crank bolt. My dad just went through this with a 3.3 in an Olds Ciera. It comes right off without the special puller once you take the bolts out. Also, be careful that you don't bend the sheet metal tabs on the back side of the balancer. If you do they will rub the new crank sensor and ruin it. Plus the car won't stay running at idle since the tabs are what trigger the ignition. It's not a good idea to heat a harmonic balancer either, since they have a rubber ring in them. You may want to look into getting a different one at a junk yard just to be safe, and you'll need it if the little tabs are bent.

Hope this helps.

Excellent answer!

I'm impressed!

sn95gt19 · 02-04-2003, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 87BOSS351C
There are 3 small bolts recessed in the balancer around the center crank bolt. My dad just went through this with a 3.3 in an Olds Ciera. It comes right off without the special puller once you take the bolts out. Also, be careful that you don't bend the sheet metal tabs on the back side of the balancer. If you do they will rub the new crank sensor and ruin it. Plus the car won't stay running at idle since the tabs are what trigger the ignition. It's not a good idea to heat a harmonic balancer either, since they have a rubber ring in them. You may want to look into getting a different one at a junk yard just to be safe, and you'll need it if the little tabs are bent.

Hope this helps.

you said that there are 3 small bolts, the only thing i can see in there are 3 threaded holes where the "special" puller threads in. i dont see any bolts inside there. did he have to drill the slots out a little to see the bolts indside?

87BOSS351C · 02-04-2003, 11:09 AM

He didn't drill anything. I never really looked at the thing to see how it was attached, but it took him most of a day to figure it out. The bolts may be down in the threaded holes??? May also be closer the the center. The bolts are there, ya just got to find em. Dad kept calling me to come help work on the thing but I didn't want to spend a weekend working on a wrong wheel drive, plus the car is a real piece of crap and he was just getting it running as a favor to my aunt. Guess I should have helped, then I could help you out better.

Maybe try to find a 3.3 out of a car in a junkyard to try and find the bolts easier. I know these engines aren't real common, but they are out there. Or look at a new balancer at a parts store.

I'll go talk to my dad tonight and find out exactly how to remove it.

Sorry I can't be more help right now.

87BOSS351C · 02-04-2003, 11:11 AM

Just another thought, maybe the bolts go in from the backside through a flange on the crankshaft?? I'm reaching here.

sn95gt19 · 02-04-2003, 05:00 PM

i actually found the correct puller for it, they make it specifically for the 3.3 motor, found it for $40

figures that the only GM product that i own has given me more problems in 1 week, than all my fords have given me combined.

87BOSS351C · 02-05-2003, 08:16 AM

Well, there aren't any bolts in it. It was finding the 3 bolt holes to put on the puller that he had trouble finding. He used an old homemade puller too. GLad you found one for a reasonale price.

02-03-2003, 07:28 PM	#1
sn95gt19 motors done......woohooo Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 799	balancer wont come off!!!! help ASAP its for my grand am 3.3 liter, it doesnt use a traditional puller there are 3 slots in the balancer and no threaded holes. i have tried heating it and prying it, but nothing has worked so far. i need to get this off asap so i can change the crank position sensor. __________________ 95gt lazer red (98 cobra clone) Rice Haters Club Member #116

02-03-2003, 07:48 PM	#2
bigred90gt 2 Stangs in the Stable Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Baytown, TX Posts: 1,209	I know you probably thought of this, but check to make sure you removed the bolt and washer. I have done that and actually twisted the bolt in the puller. Do you have any other type of puller? You can try the pullers that have the hooked arms that swing on a pivot (make sense?). Or, try prying on both sides with prybars at the same time. Use the oilpan or the block for leverage. Thats the best I can do. Caymon PS - Try checking some Grand Am forums. You might have better luck. Just a thought. __________________ '90 GT Under construction Best E.T. = Fast @ High Speeds - OK So I Lie. So What!!! 04 F-150 STX 4.2L 5 spd Rice Haters Club Member #128

02-03-2003, 08:02 PM	#3
88workcar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Pierre Part, La. U.S.A. Posts: 1,850	You can rent the correct puller at any "chain" auto parts store __________________ 88workcar 1988 Mustang LX 342. 417rwhp @ 6800. 28 X 10 ET Drag, 4.30s, 10.69 @ 126.43 1.42 60ft. 11.13 @ 127.7 on BFGs 1.72 60ft Rice Hater # 42 To be old and wise, You must first be young and stupid I'm somewhere in tthe middle.

02-03-2003, 09:15 PM	#4
Old Guy with 87 GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Posts: 379	to add to what 88workcar said ....most chain parts stores can look up in there computer what kind of puller it takes too,..... usually just cost 20-30 dollar deposit ,saves alot of headaches __________________ the "not so old",old guy 87 Mustang GT T-top >hanlon t-5, pro 5.0, centerforce clutch ,adj. cable/quatrant ,3.27s ,full 2 1/2 ex(off road H) adj. reg. ,e-cam ,70mm TB, cobra intake ,1.7rr ,ported/milled e7ets w/crane springs ,306 balaced/decked short block w/speed pro forged flat top pistons ...257rwhp/302rwt best et 13.7@102 (4/11 ) '80 Capri (future project,currently collecting parts for 351 moter)

02-03-2003, 10:09 PM	#5
sn95gt19 motors done......woohooo Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 799	its a "special" puller that is only used on that motor, cost $126...........this is a bunch of bs. im not a moron, yes i took the bolt out, lol. the damn thing is too big to use a gear puller (the ones with the "hooks" on them) the tool company i called told me that they were the only ones that made the puller. i'll call around tomorrow and see if i can find one. __________________ 95gt lazer red (98 cobra clone) Rice Haters Club Member #116

02-04-2003, 08:27 AM	#6
87BOSS351C Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Midland, Michigan Posts: 92	There are 3 small bolts recessed in the balancer around the center crank bolt. My dad just went through this with a 3.3 in an Olds Ciera. It comes right off without the special puller once you take the bolts out. Also, be careful that you don't bend the sheet metal tabs on the back side of the balancer. If you do they will rub the new crank sensor and ruin it. Plus the car won't stay running at idle since the tabs are what trigger the ignition. It's not a good idea to heat a harmonic balancer either, since they have a rubber ring in them. You may want to look into getting a different one at a junk yard just to be safe, and you'll need it if the little tabs are bent. Hope this helps. __________________ Black '87 LX 5.0 5 spd T-top with 450hp '71 351 Cleveland 4V, C6 tranny, "and some other stuff" Rice Haters Club Member #124

02-04-2003, 11:09 AM	#9
87BOSS351C Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Midland, Michigan Posts: 92	He didn't drill anything. I never really looked at the thing to see how it was attached, but it took him most of a day to figure it out. The bolts may be down in the threaded holes??? May also be closer the the center. The bolts are there, ya just got to find em. Dad kept calling me to come help work on the thing but I didn't want to spend a weekend working on a wrong wheel drive, plus the car is a real piece of crap and he was just getting it running as a favor to my aunt. Guess I should have helped, then I could help you out better. Maybe try to find a 3.3 out of a car in a junkyard to try and find the bolts easier. I know these engines aren't real common, but they are out there. Or look at a new balancer at a parts store. I'll go talk to my dad tonight and find out exactly how to remove it. Sorry I can't be more help right now. __________________ Black '87 LX 5.0 5 spd T-top with 450hp '71 351 Cleveland 4V, C6 tranny, "and some other stuff" Rice Haters Club Member #124

02-04-2003, 11:11 AM	#10
87BOSS351C Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Midland, Michigan Posts: 92	Just another thought, maybe the bolts go in from the backside through a flange on the crankshaft?? I'm reaching here. __________________ Black '87 LX 5.0 5 spd T-top with 450hp '71 351 Cleveland 4V, C6 tranny, "and some other stuff" Rice Haters Club Member #124

02-04-2003, 05:00 PM	#11
sn95gt19 motors done......woohooo Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 799	i actually found the correct puller for it, they make it specifically for the 3.3 motor, found it for $40 figures that the only GM product that i own has given me more problems in 1 week, than all my fords have given me combined. __________________ 95gt lazer red (98 cobra clone) Rice Haters Club Member #116

02-05-2003, 08:16 AM	#12
87BOSS351C Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Midland, Michigan Posts: 92	Well, there aren't any bolts in it. It was finding the 3 bolt holes to put on the puller that he had trouble finding. He used an old homemade puller too. GLad you found one for a reasonale price. __________________ Black '87 LX 5.0 5 spd T-top with 450hp '71 351 Cleveland 4V, C6 tranny, "and some other stuff" Rice Haters Club Member #124

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