Should I repair a wobbling crank pulley?

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TLink FJ60

TLink FJ60

10 Year
Joined
May 1, 2012
Threads
18
Messages
115
Location
Nashville, TN
When inspecting a coolant leak I noticed my crank pulley is wobbling. There are no noises. By hand, there is no play in the pulley. The crank pulley has 3 pulley rings. The larger inner most ring is the one that wobbles; the 2 outer rings appear to be really smooth.

I'm replacing my water pump so already have the pump and radiator out. I also removed the pulley nut (that was fun), but have yet to lay my hands on a puller to get the actual pulley off.

Question 1: Is a wobble in the pulley a bad thing. Seems like it would be but a new one is super expensive.

Question 2: Is the pulley all one piece or is there a way to separate?

Question 3: Can a wobbling pulley be repaired? Who would do it?

Question 4: Does anybody have a spare that's in good condition - looks like an aftermarket replacement is over $500.
 
Can't help you with advise on the pulley, but I know you can get a puller at most auto parts shops for pretty cheap. Sometimes they will lend you one if you ask.
 
I believe they are riveted together. Gonna need to replace it. You don't want it falling apart while running. That could cause some major engine damage.

You should be able to find a decent one on MUD classifieds for less than $500
 
It's an '85 FJ60. Pulley has 3 rings, inner most being the largest. Belts drive water pump, PS, AC, Alt. & Smog.

Rover, when you say "pressed" is that a fabrication term I'm not familiar with, or do you just mean you pressed it to make it flat/balanced? I don't have welding experience or equipment, so that sounds like something I can't do. But I was wondering if a shop around town might.
 
Last one I saw with a Harmonic Balancer wobble ended up disintegrating on the freeway and causing a bit of damage, as well as leaving the owner stranded...

It's quite possible the elasometric bonding crap in the pulley is disintegrating and the rivets are getting sloppy. Look on the front of the pulley, at the rivets, and see if there's been any shift of the pulley plates around the rivets.

Prolly best to replace the unit with a used one. I believe Georg (Orangefj45 MUD handle) has some used ones. PM him if you want a used one.

I'm just guessing here, but I bet welding on your HB kinda takes the "Balance" out of it ... ;)

O'rielly's auto has aftermarket ones for about $230.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. So I got the pulley off (46mm socket + inpact driver did the trick). The crank shaft looks fairly smooth. Threads appear to be in good shape. The nut looks good. The inside of the pulley looks smooth. However the ouside of the pulley shaft (part that contacts the timing cover seal) has some grooves....

I am leaking oil in the front but not sure if it's the seal, the cover, or the oil pan - perhaps a little of each.

So I have decided while I'm there to replace...
- crank pulley
- timing cover
- crank seal (is that what you call it?)

I will definitely need the advice of those on the forum. Thanks in advance. My current question is what parts to order.

1. First, what are the risks of buying a used pulley? What if there is wear on either side of the pulley shaft (where it makes contact with the crank AND/OR where it makes contact with the timing cover seal?
2. Timing cover gasket. Recommendations on type/brand. What should I seal it with? What should I seal the bottom bolts with?
3. Seal. And special grease/oil or parts I need to get this replaced?

Thanks.
 
TLink FJ60 said:
Thanks for the replies so far. So I got the pulley off (46mm socket + inpact driver did the trick). The crank shaft looks fairly smooth. Threads appear to be in good shape. The nut looks good. The inside of the pulley looks smooth. However the ouside of the pulley shaft (part that contacts the timing cover seal) has some grooves....

I am leaking oil in the front but not sure if it's the seal, the cover, or the oil pan - perhaps a little of each.

So I have decided while I'm there to replace...
- crank pulley
- timing cover
- crank seal (is that what you call it?)

I will definitely need the advice of those on the forum. Thanks in advance. My current question is what parts to order.

1. First, what are the risks of buying a used pulley? What if there is wear on either side of the pulley shaft (where it makes contact with the crank AND/OR where it makes contact with the timing cover seal?
2. Timing cover gasket. Recommendations on type/brand. What should I seal it with? What should I seal the bottom bolts with?
3. Seal. And special grease/oil or parts I need to get this replaced?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

See if it looks anything like what I went through.

Starting around post number #696
https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-...build-thread-fj60-fj62-fj80-axle-fj68-24.html

Hopefully its not the same thing but it sounds pretty similar to the problem I had.
 
Well that's good, my first two main bearings were shot. #1 was spun and #2 was just trashed. I would definitely replace it before it gets any worse or does any damage to your crank/engine bearings.
 
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