Crankshaft pulley slipping on balancer??

[TLCandME]

I'm curious.... Can the crankshaft pulley slip off what I assume is the harmonic balancer? I noticed my belts were out of alignment and when I tore into it to get the pulley off, it was clear that the harmonic balancer was sticking about 3/4 of an inch or more behind the pulley. I pounded it back in flush and now the belts line up perfectly. Just wondering how likely it is to happen again. The two seem like they are mated up pretty tight.

It had to have happened since the last time I had the pulley off as I was able to remove the pulley with the fan in place. This time there would have been no way to remove the pulley without removing the fan which I did along with the radiator in order to gain clearance. The first time I removed the pulley by hand but this time I had to buy a puller. I didn't torque the nut to spec so I'm wondering if that is what caused this mess but I had to throw all my weight at it this time to remove it. The balancer was on tight.... it just seems the pulley had slid forward.

Thanks for any insight.

William

 

[landtank]

what are you driving?

 

[TLCandME]

Sorry... '97 80 series.

 

[duggy]

Just so I understand correctly, you're referring to the harmonic balancer and the crankshaft pulley which is 1 piece and mounted to the crankshaft with a large 30mm bolt, correct?

If the 2 pieces are separating from each other then you'll need to get a new crank pulley. The two are mated by rubber and should not separate.

 

[TLCandME]

Yes. That is what appears to have happened. Are they just mated by friction? Is it a known problem that they might separate? Would over tension on the belts contribute? I'm trying to figure out how I might have caused this so I don't repeat in the future. Thanks!

 

[Tools R Us]

It's two pieces, inner hub and outer ring with the belt grooves, connected, bonded by rubber. Occasionally the rubber bond fails, when that happens a replacement is needed.

 

[Kernal]

TLC: Post up a photo of the damaged HB once you get it removed. While it's off would be a good time to replace the oil pump cover O-ring and front crank seal.

 

[inkpot]

I would guess that the bonding agent has failed due to applications of extreme heat (blowtorch) or a poorly placed gear puller, either one could be used to get that pulley off to allow the crank seal to be replaced?

 

[Overlandeffex]

Like everyone else is saying here...new harmonic balancer time....

 

[rc51kid]

You should not meet a puller once the 30mm bolt is off. Mine just came right off once the stupid tight 30mm bolt was off.

 

[TLCandME]

Thanks! Got a new one en route from Beno. Glad I asked.... as I thought I had "fixed" the old one... had it back on the car and was going to roll with it. Best guess is that I had it off a couple of years ago to fix the oil pump gasket that was leaking and when I put it back on, I didn't torque that 30mm nut enough causing vibrations to separate the balancer from the pulley. Maybe that headache of a P0401 code that put me under the hood this weekend just saved me from a much bigger headache down the road!!

 

[normiex]

Having the harmonic balancer seperate isn't that rare of a problem, I have seen it a few times myself and I'm not a mechanic but I am a fan of old cars so that might have something to do with it.

If it was loose you might want to inspect the crankshaft where the balancer seats to look for wear, might be a big problem if the crank is worn too much.

 

[PanchoLedezma]

what did you guys think about this

 

[rolliges]

I'm no mechanic nor can diagnose by ear.

I am very curious to hear what others with more experience have to say.

 

[BILT4ME]

I'm no mechanic nor can diagnose by ear.

I am very curious to hear what others with more experience have to say.

He also had a failed harmonic balancer. He also ran his engine WITHOUT it installed and that is VERY bad for the engine bearings since the internal oil pump is driven by the harmonic balancer with the 304 LB-FT torque on the center bolt.

 

[rolliges]

I don't know that the person who posted the video also ran w/0 an intact harmonic balancer (or not).

I'm just curious what the engine sounds are telling us. Just want to learn and I know many people here can help me know more.

 

[BILT4ME]

I don't know that the person who posted the video also ran w/0 an intact harmonic balancer (or not).

I'm just curious what the engine sounds are telling us. Just want to learn and I know many people here can help me know more.

The sounds he was chasing are the little tick tick tick he was hearing. Those turned out to be power steering pump issues. He ran it without the balancer trying to isolate a noise. He has a whole separate thread about it and posted that video in at least 3 threads.

It's OK to ask.

Keep reading! You'll find answers and a LOT more things you want / need to do on your truck!

Don;t be afraid of jumping in and working on things. Let us know if you need help.

Also, hook up with other locals so you can see what they do. Maybe post videos and pics about questions you have about your OWN truck.

You've been on here for 13 years, but don't have a lot of activity (post-wise). Post up your questions!

 

[rolliges]

I read a lot, search a lot. My brother-in-law grew up with engines though he is not a mechanic. Over time I have acquired all the tools I need, and prefer to fix everything myself and have. My BIL has, over the years, given me the confidence to "take s*** apart" knowing that it's just metal and rubber and can be replaced. Also, through the years here on Mud I have learned who can be trusted with their wisdom ("trust but verify" RR).

I'm always interested to learn more. That is why I ask. Thanks