Balancer bolt question

[clazar]

I just got back my balancer back from being rebuilt. After putting it on, i wasn't able to tighten 3 of the 6 bolts that hold the pully on the balancer. 3 tighten down good but the other 3 thread in but don't tighten. Is it ok to run this way or how could i get them to tighten without taking everything back off to do it?

Chuck

 

[Cranky]

Need to get a close look at what's keeping them from getting tight.....and no, it's not ok to run with it like that. Are you sure all 6 are the right size?

 

[clazar]

Need to get a close look at what's keeping them from getting tight.....and no, it's not ok to run with it like that. Are you sure all 6 are the right size?

All 6 are the same size. I'm going to try some other bolts just to see if they tighten down. Do you happen to know the size & thread of the bolts?

Chuck

 

[bm02tj]

Check the length and if ok run a tap to fix threads
and no not tightened is not ok

 

[Cranky]

5/16ths course thread on a big block.....

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

X2 what everyone else said.

PLUS, length is VERY important. Too long and they will hit the timing chain cover. The factory bolts are a special length that you will have a hard time finding at a general hardware store.

 

[Moparsmitty]

If three of the six bolts holding the pulley on the balancer are stripped, it's a disaster waiting to happen. It might never break or come off, but why take the chance. I realize that a good quality balancer is expensive but there are just too many ways that pulley coming off can damage stuff under the hood (and maybe even the hood too) and that will cost a lot more.

 

[miller]

Is it the threads on the bolts, or in the balancer, that's stripped?

If in the balancer, one possible fix would be to put helicoils in. But, you need to know what your doing on that. Use the right length helicoil, and stake 'em in, once they are installed.

 

[clazar]

Turns out the threads on the balancer are bad. Are heli coils the best & or only way to fix the problem? I've never used the coils before. Is it possible to drill & tap a bigger size to fix the problem?

Also, should loctite be used when putting the crank bolt back in?

Chuck

 

[clazar]

Any help on the helicoils & crank bolt.

Chuck

 

[coloradodave]

Personally, I would pull the balancer and heli-coil the holes. Your local NAPA store will have a kit for the 5/16" coarse threads. Check on the back of the kit to make sure you have the right size drill bit, which is usually an odd size. Follow the directions to the letter. It's not hard, you just have to be precise. Use new bolts exactly the same length as the ones that weren't stripped. I use blue locktite on the crank balancer bolt along with the correct large washer. I certainly would be on the phone with the folks who 'rebuilt' your balancer for an explanation.

 

[pturner]

my opinion

the balancer it to important to start guessing about how to repair it. if it comes apart while the engine is running all heck will break loose.
trash it and start again.
just my 2 cents.
pt in tennessee

 

[miller]

Exactly what Dave said.

You want to measure the 'length' of the threads in the balancer, to get a good idea what length of helicoil to use, and of course the correct thread diameter and pitch.
You also want to buy the correct helicoil 'kit'. Helicoils use their own 'special' taps, and drill sizes, that are part of the kit.

Again, as Dave said, pull the balancer to do this job. Be as precise as possible on installing the helicoils. (I'd do all six!)
You want the helicoils, that are actually stainless steel threads, NOT to be past the surface, front or back, but slightly recessed. Once in place, both front and back, using a center punch, 'stake' both ends of each helicoil, by locking them in place by closing the ends of the threaded parts of the balancer itself.
Take your time at it.

 

[HT413]

I just got back my balancer back from being rebuilt. After putting it on, i wasn't able to tighten 3 of the 6 bolts that hold the pully on the balancer. 3 tighten down good but the other 3 thread in but don't tighten. Is it ok to run this way or how could i get them to tighten without taking everything back off to do it?

Chuck

I would call the shop that rebuilt the thing and give them hell.

 

[451Mopar]

The Heli-Coils will work. I like the Time-Sert threaded inserts, but the installation kit is pricy. Once you have the kit/tools, the inserts themselves are reasonably priced.
http://www.timesert.com/

 

[clazar]

Took the balancer over to a machine shop this morning to have the helicoils done. At 1pm they called & said it was done. They did all six holes. I'll be putting it back together tonite. Thanks All !!

Chuck