trouble removing harmonic balancer
 

hey everyone, this is my first post. I have a 2000 f150 v6 4.2 and I am having one heck of a time removing my harmonic balancer. I have managed to shear a bolt from the puller off in the balancer. I attempted to use an ez out, but managed to shear off the dang drill bit inside the sheared off bolt. So far, i have removed the harmonic balancer about 3/4 of an inch.

I also attempted to use a pry bar of the back but just ended up destroying the teeth on that ring that goes around the back. So here I am, 3 days later and still unable to remove the harmonic balancer. Any suggestions?

Looks like it is really stuck on there. The only way to get it off is to pull it. You will need to drill and re-tap the holes for the puller.

Sounds like you had an inferior puller.

I didn't believe it to be a bad one. I rented it from autozone, but as I later found out, I should have had a much longer bolt to put in where the original crankshaft bolt was attached. Since I didn't, I later discovered that I had been trying to pull the pulley against itself. I felt pretty dumb once I learned my mistake.

Ahh, yup, that would do it.

If you can drill and retap the one messed up hole, you can then retry it.

You'll get it off.

yeah I guess that will be my next option. I have until next wednesday when I get my new harmonic balancer so I have some time. Thanks

I betcha you'll get it off by next Wednesday. Persistence pays off. :)

Perhaps there is some rust or other (gasket sealant) on that shaft.. I would soak that with some kroil or other sufficient penetrating product. It can't hurt. Re apply it between drilling sessions. By the time you are ready to reattach the puller you will be good to go.

Before you start drilling again, you need to use a small diameter drill bit or a punch to establish a center wherever you will be drilling so the bit does not 'walk' all over the place. Increase the drill bit diameter little by little.

IF, you end up trying to pry it off again, you will need another person or two. One to apply pressure with the pry bar whilst placing a large diameter hard brass/bronze drift pin on the crank center and whacking it with a 3-5 lbs hammer. But only as a last resort. If you have already moved it 3/4" this may work.

Question: why are you removing the harmonic balancer?

Probably the infamous squeaking noise from the HB.

I hate EZ outs because they usually break off and then they are so hard you can't drill them out. Good Luck

Spraying the shaft with penetrating oil may just help. That's what I would try next.

got it off
 

Good news. I got that bitch off today. I used a flat metal stake and stuck it across the balancer to hold the puller in place. I also found that in fact there was a large washer in there so once that was out, I just cranked down the puller bolt and viola! Also I replaced the faulty front main seal :)

Check the keyway to make sure it isn't worn. There have been posts in the past of the keyway wearing and throwing off the valve timing.

It's good. timing is great. only reason I pulled balancer was to replace the seal. I had to replace the balancer because I broke it in attempting to remove it.

Great news! I thought it would've been the infamous HB squeak.

Good job!

Well done!