Helicoil crank snout

[Mv7fd]

Like a dumb dumb I tried to use the harmonic balancer bolt to pull the balancer on now I need a helicoil or maybe a little longer bolt not sure the longer bolt will work. Has anyone done this before and should I stay with the 7/16x20 or go to the 1/2x20 or go with a course thread bolt size

[KQQL IT]

1/2 20 is an easy drill and tap

[Just call me Sean]

That's how I put my balancers on.

[Mv7fd]

Well it didn't work for me. That thing was super tight to get on

[Blown06]

I would Heli-coil it, I know you'll almost be at 1/2" when you install the coil but if you or anyone else tears down the engine in the future it will still be running a factory sized bolt on the balancer. My two cents, good luck with the repair.

[chrly1492]

take another look, usually the balancer bolt isn't long enough and it damages the end threads in the crank...chase the threads with a good bottoming tap, but get a kit that has fine all thread, and use a nut and washer to pull the balancer into place. Be sure and run the all thread as far into the crank as possible before using the nut and washer. Good luck..also make sure that it is a hardened washer, not something in the tool box..a grade 3 for instance will just crush.

[kalbert]

The parts store might rent you an installer, maybe even for free. It'll have the thrust bearing and the balancer will glide on like warm butter. Comments about only the first bit of threads being wiped out are probably right. Try chasing with a tap and then turn a new bolt in all the way and see how it goes. Heli Coil will work too, it'll keep you with the common bolt size and possibly be stronger.

[Mv7fd]

I bought the install tool for the balancer after I messed up the threads so the balancer is on now I just have to fix my screw up. I ran a tap in it several times and I can almost get the bolt tight and then that last little bit it'll spin easy right where it should torque Down

[Mv7fd]

Is the end of the harmonic balancer when fulley seated suppose to be flush with the end of the crank or no

[jetmech85]

No, it will bottom out on the timing gear before it is flush.

[Jake Wade]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

That's how I put my balancers on.

Wrong way to do it, you have been very lucky.

Its OK to use a stud and nut, big difference than using a bolt.

Best way is the correct tool:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-61740/overview/

[Mv7fd]

Can you double stack a helicoil to get more length so you know you got the bad threads covered

[cadillac_al]

I bought a crank kit once and when it was all installed I found out the balancer threads were messed up. I didn't want to take the engine apart again so I got a slightly longer bolt and was able to use it. Usually only the first few thread get damaged anyway.

[Just call me Sean]

Originally Posted by Jake Wade

Wrong way to do it, you have been very lucky.

Been lucky for many years.

[Mv7fd]

Longer bolt worked like a charm

[Blown06]

Good deal, glad it was a good outcome. Beats the heck out of yanking the motor back out.