So Im putting on a new OEM harmonic balancer on my 2001 corvette. Ive tried searching for proper ways to install this item but only came up with multiple methods that I don't really feel comfortable doing. What I would like please is a link to the proper procedures on installing the balancer. Should I use the old bolt to set it in. Once set should I be worried about how far I slide the balancer on the crankshaft. Please help. I have been at this for two weeks. Thanks

 

I'm currently in the process myself. Not a quick fix task, but it can be done. Manual lists several specialty tools to do this job, but it can be done using alternate methods. This is a quote from the manual... "• NOTE: Crankshaft balancer bolt is a M16 x 2.0 x 103mm bolt. A M16 x 2.0 x 120mm bolt and washers can be used to pull the balancer onto the crankshaft in place of the J 41665 installer." I have read of people breaking the bolt off inside the crankshaft in the process, so I was a bit apprehensive about using that method. I made my own installer by taking a grade 10.9 16x2.0 MM bolt, cutting off the head, grinding the end to a point, doing the same with a piece of grade 8 5/8" NF rod, and butt welding them together. you need a good weld, and the diameter can not be much larger than the 16 mm bolt when finished. Then I used a VERY thick washer that was large enough so that it would not go inside the balancer recessed area. My reasoning was that if anything was going to get damaged, it would be the 5/8" threaded rod, and even if it broke off, the bolt portion inside the crankshaft was screwed in by hand, and would be easily removable. Once the balancer has been pulled onto the crankshaft, you MUST measure the depth from the end of the crankshaft to the surface of the balancer where the bolt flange head contacts it. Here is another quote from the manual... "Important: The nose of the crankshaft should be recessed 2.40–4.48 mm (0.094–0.176 in) into the balancer bore.
Measure for a correctly installed balancer."
I have a word document that explains the whole procedure, but don't know how to link it to here. email me, and I will send it to you.