Harmonic blanacer replacement

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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Pair of SSEI
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Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by Pair of SSEI »

Well, I have the sound of a bad harmonic balancer. My question. Is this repair done through the right front tire area? Do I have to remove the motor mount. I have done this repair on a 3800 in a GP. But this is the firsrt time on the bonnie. While apart what else should I look at replacing?
1997 SSEI 3.8 L67 149,000 miles Moonroof, Polished Gen V w/L32 intake, 3.5 mod. Pulley, SD Headers, Intense Stage 1 tune, MagnaFlow Cat 94109, Catco catback, Autolite 103s, 180 stat, Intense FWI, 1995 OEM trans cooler, Cleared corners. KYB Excel G struts and shocks.


2006 Malibu SS 3.9 60 degree V6, Variable Valve, Tap shift Trans, 100,000 miles Bone stock

SOLD - 1992 SSEI FWI PEM Catco Cat NGK TR55 180 stat Original owner 209,000 miles Original Engine and Trans - Still strong when she left
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Re: Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by MattStrike »

Yeah, through the wheel well. You might want to change the belts while you're at it, but unless you're having other issues, high enough mileage to justify changing the timing chain, not much else to really do since you won't be going that far into taking things apart. You shouldn't need to remove the motor mount, only the bottom bolt and spacer to get the belts off if you want to change them.
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Re: Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by RJolly87 »

As Matt said, belts could make sense if they are needed, but that's usually a stand alone repair right there.

Make sure you have the proper bolts for your pulley puller however. From what I understand, the 3800's have a thread pitch that is not typically included in a lot of universal kits, and the balancer bolt requires a significant amount of torque to remove, so be sure to have a good impact close by to make life easier.
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Re: Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by J Wikoff »

They are M6x1 if I remember right. Most kits have 1/4-28 bolts, which is close, but you risk screwing up the threads beyond usability.
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Pair of SSEI
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Re: Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by Pair of SSEI »

Thanks guys.
1997 SSEI 3.8 L67 149,000 miles Moonroof, Polished Gen V w/L32 intake, 3.5 mod. Pulley, SD Headers, Intense Stage 1 tune, MagnaFlow Cat 94109, Catco catback, Autolite 103s, 180 stat, Intense FWI, 1995 OEM trans cooler, Cleared corners. KYB Excel G struts and shocks.


2006 Malibu SS 3.9 60 degree V6, Variable Valve, Tap shift Trans, 100,000 miles Bone stock

SOLD - 1992 SSEI FWI PEM Catco Cat NGK TR55 180 stat Original owner 209,000 miles Original Engine and Trans - Still strong when she left
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Re: Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by Paintjar »

Hi, I was reading your post trying to figure out where a knocking rattling sound is coming from on my 95 3800 Bonn. It doesn't change when I vary RPMs. What does the sound make coming from the balancer? Sometimes it effects the starting. Thanks for any advice on where to look for a problem.
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Re: Harmonic blanacer replacement

Post by J Wikoff »

Yours might be a flywheel or starter issue. I'd start a new thread.
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WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
2009 G8 GT - Sport Red Metallic, loaded, SOLO Axlebacks, Rotofab Intake, Tuned, autodim mirror, removed intake manifold cover, HSV GTS triple gauge pod, two tone red-hot shifter and HSV SuperSport steering wheel, GXP rear sway bar and diffuser, 3.45 diff and various Camaro suspension bits, LED Taillights
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