Harmonic balancer.

[PK]

Whilst perusing the underneath of my Fiero and wondering where to start with cleaning up the problems caused by high humidity storage....I took a look at the harmonic balancer having read that these can cause trouble.

Mine looks awfully close to the sump!!  And given that the sump is unlikely to have moved, does this indicate a possible imminent problem?

From what I have read the rubber section can detach from the outer ring?  Everything seems solid but then I have noubt to compare with.

Does anyone have a pic of how a "normal" harmonic balancer should sit in relation to the edge of the sump or any advice on checks/words of wisdom?

Cheers
PK

[Fierofool]

I seem to remember others posting that the sump wasn't the thing to worry about.  When the ring slips and moves toward the engine, the first thing it comes into contact with is the timing cover. 

You can replace the balancer with one from a 3.4 V6  F body engine.  You would need to have a new timing mark cut into it for the Fiero due to the F body balancer mark being to the right side of the engine.

www.DamperDoctor.com has or had balancers for the Fiero. 

Edited to correct URL. 

[PK]

Thanks FF.  I will check timing cover clearance.  There is probably no more than 1mm clearance from the sump!

I can see the rubber section from inboard and it isn't proud of the outer ring.  I'm not sure what else I can check other than to keep an eye on the clearances from other enjun parts!

[PK]

I had another good look again today and the outer ring and rubber has definitely drifted inboard of the inner ring by probably 2mm. Gap to timing chain cover is about the same as to sump, 1mm ish.

I read that a special tool is required for harmonic balancer removal/install which obviously won't be available here.  Also noticed a hairline crack in the timing chain cover. .... And might as well do timing chain and seal while I am in there.

Oh dear, cost of parts and time are probably going to rule out a 2019 appearance of dangermouse..... Sigh

[Fierofool]

Are you sure it's a crack or just a casting anomaly?  You can often see these anomalies in the case of the transmission.  Looks like a crack but doesn't leak. 

It would probably be best to contact Todd at The Fiero Farm of South Carolina if you need a new timing cover.  Maybe even arrange for him to grab a balancer from Damper Doctor and ship it at the same time.  It seems that his shipping costs are less. 

[PK]

It could be a casting mark but I scratched a section and the defect remained.  The line does a "U" from the joint with the water pump across an inch or so and then back to one of the bolt holes. 

I will definitely need Todds help with this.  I have emailed the damperdoctor from the link you kindly supplied to ask if he still does Fiero balancers as I can't see them listed.... And a core might be an issue!

Meanwhile I will put a wanted ad here/pff for a balancer.  I remember reading that GM did a proper balancer that was pinned to avoid this nonsense but I guess they are all long gone.

[PK]

What is the best way to stop the enjun rotating while removing harmonic balancer please V6 manual?  Haynes says to stick a screwdriver in the starter gear and refers to a very unclear picture that doesn't help.

I crawled underneath but couldn't see anything useful unless I need to remove more bits??

[Fierofool]

By "starter gear" they mean the teeth on the flywheel.  It might require a helper to hold an open end wrench or big screwdriver or prybar or if you can find something to jam in and hold it. 

[PK]

Thanks FF.  Couldn't see any real way to access but will have another look.

[Fierofool]

You would need to remove that metal dust shield/inspection plate.

[TopNotch]

FYI, it is not recommended to use an impact wrench to remove the balancer. You might get away with it on a V6, but on a duke, you'll likely break the fiber camshaft gear. And on a V6, you'll be banging the timing chain hard in the reverse direction.

[PK]

Thanks. I'm sure there are times when they are very useful but I don't have any impact equipment and have always got by somehow.

[PK]

You would need to remove that metal dust shield/inspection plate.

Inspection plate is hanging so will take another look.  To remove inspection plate completely looks like starter has to come off too.  Funny how Haynes shows a picture of a screwdriver simply looking out of the enjun.

[PK]

Thanks again guys.  Only me down here but the pry bar in the flywheel worked a treat and the balancer came off beautifully.

Right decision to replace.  Witness marks (arc) on timing mark bracket and 2.5mm gap atwix inner and outer ring!  Decent groove on balancer shaft from seal.

Great access to water pump gasket face now so back to that until parts can be sourced.....gulp.

[GTRS Fiero]

FYI, it is not recommended to use an impact wrench to remove the balancer. You might get away with it on a V6, but on a duke, you'll likely break the fiber camshaft gear. And on a V6, you'll be banging the timing chain hard in the reverse direction.

How should the balancer be removed?