Harmonic Balancer install

Sleepinbeauty

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I recently installed my harmonic balancer using a dead blow hammer and then drove it in the rest of the way with the bolt as soon as I got it. This is how I put them on with Chevrolets. I then looked for the torque spec when I saw that there was the possiblity of damaging the thrust bearing. Has anyone ever damaged a thrust bearing doing this or heard of anyone who has? I'm about to put my engine in and didn't want to worry. I'm going to pull the pan and inspect first before installing the engine. Also, would there be pieces of thrust bearing laying in the pan or would it be impossible to truly tell?
 

99COBRA2881

Piss on Fox Sports1
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All it takes is a longer metric bolt to start the balancer onto the snout of the crank. Bottom it out then switch to the tty bolt.

Do it the right way then there's nothing to worry about
 

Sleepinbeauty

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I believe I indicated that I was under the assumption that it was like a Chevrolet so it wasn't a matter of trying not to do it the "right" way. I'm not sure your way is the right way as it is not indicated to do it that way by the factory. I will admit is more favorable. I ended up taking it back off and doing it the "right" factory way and just getting a free rental kit from the autoparts store that had the installer.
 

01yellercobra

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I'm pretty sure it's recommended to use an installer on all engines. I was taught not to use a hammer because it could damage the thrust bearing. Not trying to start an argument, just giving my experience.
 

Sleepinbeauty

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Not a problem. You live and learn. I didn't beat the crap out of it to get it on. I ended up taking it back off and putting it on with the appropriate tools because I hadn't used RTV on the key. I had just been rushing because I didn't want to leave the car in my drive way any longer because the people around where I live will bitch. They hate rednecks. The motor started up and it runs just fine. Thanks for the help with everything slo.
 

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