Hello all!

This is my first time replacing a water pump on my 1989 5.0L and natch one of the studs broke off.

So, I'm in the middle of removing my timing cover so that I can get to the exposed stud and remove it.

My question is this... how does one loosen the harmonic balancer bolt!? I can't get it! I've tried everything that I can think of...

Am I going to have to rent an impact wrench?! The crank keeps turning and I don't want to damage the balancer.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!

msmorehouse

 

Yep, hit it with an impact and it will come right off. be sure and get a puller for the pulley also, do Not try to pry it off!

 

you can also try and hit the braker bar with a dead blow. a quick sharp hit might get it loose.

 

Two of the more interesting methods I have heard of are
1 Pull the plugs, hold the socket in place with a short 2x4 with the breaker bar against something solid, and crank the starter.
2 Bring one of the pistons up to almost TDC then insert rope into the cylinder thru the plug hole so that the piston cannot continue upwards.
I have not tried either myself tho.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

Many thanks to you all for the quick response and great advice!

I had tried the sharp blow trick, but to no avail...

So-o-o-o, looks like I'll be renting an impact driver tomorrow!

Thanks again gang!

BTW: This is a great forum, with some very helpful members!
My hat's off to all of you!

May the wind at your back...
never be your own!

 

Probably a late response, but anyway, I had the same problem removing the bolt on my 4.2L engine. I took a little 4" socket extension and positioned it against one of the detents in the base of the balancer, and jammed it against some convenient bit of engine nearby. This prevented the crank from turning.

Steve