Gert3116

The Harmonic Balancer seal on my 350 olds is leaking really bad and I need to know if the seal comes in from the front or from the back. Has anyone replaced this seal on their car, and if so, do you have any hints for me?

1964f-85

The seal presses in from the front. While it is possible to do with out pulling the cover, it is probably easier to pull the cover and press it in.

Take a look at your balancer, did the old seal cut a groove into the balancer shaft? If it did you can get a repair kit from Advanced auto or auto zone. It comes with a redesigned seal as well as a thin sleeve that you press onto the balancer shaft.

Gert3116

I've been told that if there was a groove, then I would have to get a new harmonic balancer. Is this repair sleeve just temporary thing that I would have to replace again or would it hold?

Dapapadon

The sleeve is called a Speedy Sleeve. It should last as long as the seal.

Don

Bluevista

I used a sleeve on my 350 balancer last year and it works great, got it with the seal at NAPA.

Allan

Run to Rund

You need to block the engine from turning as the balancer bolt is torqued to 160 ft lb. With most stock setups the easiest may be to make up a long bar of something like 1/4" by 2" or 3" , 2' long steel that bolts to two pulley bolt holes with grade 8 bolts.

Gert3116

Ok. cool. I think that I have everything that I need. Thanks for all the help.

70oldsW30

For what it is worth, I have usually blocked the motor from turning down at the flexplate /flywheel which gives better mechanical advantage to keep the motor from turning plus it's not in the way.

Ok, someone has to admit to having fit a socket and 1/2" breakover bar on the balancer bolt, placing the end of the breakover bar on top of the steering hear box and turning the motor over using the starter to break the balancer bolt loose.