changing a harmonic balancer

[RET_COP]

Is it necessary to remove the water pump (as the instructions state) to uninstall and install a harmonic Balancer on a 351w
Thanks Lou

[bobcowan]

No, it is not necessary.

Some of the older style front covers have the seal pressed into the inside of the cover. To replace the seal you have to take the front cover off; and the water pump comes off witrh the cover.

[RedBarchetta]

351w cranks have a dual key-way to hold the balancer in phase with the crank. If you are swapping balancers then you may also need to swap in new keys. They are very tight fitting and make absolutely sure that they are set into the crank properly and don't slide out while you are using the proper tool to re-install the new balancer. The outcome will be shoving the second keyway into the front cover seal and distorting it, causing you to have to pull the water pump, dropping the pan (to clear the timing cover), and then removing the timing cover to replace the pressed-in seal.

Don't ask me how I know this. Did I also mention that I can remove & reinstall my oil pan with my eyes closed?

With the water pump still on the car, seeing the keyways is difficult from the top. Therefore, you may have to perform this R&R from either the side or bottom. That's probably why the instructions mention removal of the water pump.

-Dean

[RET_COP]

Dean, sounds like you've done a few, probably take a motor out with one hand tired around your back, thanks for the responses.
Lou