ive been putting my engine back together after installing a new timing chain and gear,and new paint job . im having a heck of a time getting the harmonic balancer back on . i ended up breaking the old timing gear with a five ton puller trying to get that off .and had to tap the new gear on with a block of wood . the balancer is on about an inch and wont go any further without a significant amount of force.i know pounding it on with a large hammer is not a good idea .i sanded both surfaces with 400 grit and oiled before trying to install .are these tolorances that tight?ive been told these should slide right on .any input would be appreciated

 

Have you tried warming up the balancer? Soak it in a pot of boiling water or heat it in the oven (no more than 200 degrees) to expand the clearance a little. Might be just enough to get it on without resorting to a BFH!

 

no i didn't try heat yet but might try baking it a bit .give that new paint a test in the process

 

Google harmonic balancer installer

I've had one like this for decades:

 

i guess i could go out and buy one if the heat doesnt work .add to the collection of tools ill probly never use again

 

Do you guys by chance know the thread size of that balancer bolt I could maybe pick up a bolt for a make shift press on my way home from work