GM 3.8L Harmonic Balancer Removal

Short description of removing the harmonic balancer on a 3800 GM engine.

[@Dutchtheyooper]

Notes: Cylinder with piston down on compression stroke. 15/16 socket. 1/4 X 28 X 4". There is supposed to be a little part in the end of the puller, it was missing. Any questions feel free to comment and subscribe!

[@mre1984]

The best info you shared that may be overlooked a lot is the 1/4x28x4” bolts. Thanks for that!

[@stevensapyak7971]

1.21.24. The 1/4 x 28 x 4” bolts will work⚠️ however the threads are actually Metric. 6mm x 1.0 x 70, 80, or 90mm depending upon what puller is used.

[@RatBasterd]

Thanks for posting this! You confirmed 2 critical things for me: I have the right size socket, and the wrong puller.

[@ishmaelwilliams304]

Wow THANK YOU!! finally I found a video that may help me! 4” bolts and leave the original bolt in and press against it!! HOLLY COW I didn’t think of that one I just switched my pulley! I’m going back for the $20 pulley and do it as you just showed me!!

[@Dutchtheyooper]

If you use the long pushrod you can take the bolt out.

[@oliverrojas3185]

I did not overtighten the puller bolts after watching you ease out the harmonic balancer. Thanks, your instructions are hellpful.

[@debbiewatson7022]

Thank You, you were more informative, & showed more. others talked more & showed less of actually what they were doing. Thanks again

[@liamtroesh35]

Doorman pick a nut at advanced is a lifesaver- they have 1/4-28 x 3” (luckily in stock) and that with some 1/4” washers did the trick

[@doodlegassum6959]

Really good info, especially the bolt sizes. Thankyou

[@doodlegassum6959]

If any ozzies are wondering, this info is good for your vy commodore 3.8 as well

[@shanettebrooks8755]

What happens if the kits bolts broke off inside while tryna pull it out?

[@Dutchtheyooper]

Drill and "Easy Out" screw extractor or drill and re tap. No fun as it's in there so deep.

[@shanettebrooks8755]

@@Dutchtheyooper what about using a 3 jaw puller if I have no drill, do you think it will come off?

[@Dutchtheyooper]

@@shanettebrooks8755 if you can get the jaws to grip it.

[@miomine3527]

I bet that's the harbor freight puller.. The same thing is happening to me the bolt on the puller is screwing into the threads where the crankshaft bolt goes..so I'm like wait something is not right here..and here's your video certifying my suspicion..thank you for the vid...👍

[@Dutchtheyooper]

It is actually the loaner tool from Advance Auto. (Probably made in China)

[@marcusharrell9608]

@@Dutchtheyooper hey did the loaner tool come with the screws you used to thread in?

[@Dutchtheyooper]

@@marcusharrell9608 It did not come with the correct bolts. You can get the correct bolts at Tractor Supply, Menards and maybe Ace not sure about Lowes and Home Depot

[@marcusharrell9608]

@@Dutchtheyooper ok thanks

[@sadeshine69]

Thank you I was able to change it out and put a new one on I'm back rolling.. You Rock!

[@blakefarlow]

hey mate whats the size of the bolts you use with the puller tool

[@LanceNeves]

Good video! I would add in text if possible if using rope trick it has to be on the compression stroke because if it is on the exhaust stroke the rope will bend the exhaust valve.

[@Dutchtheyooper]

Thanks, I added it!

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

How newer is newer? Because i got a 2001 buick park avenue that i need a new crank sensor put on. Do i follow the 76 degrees or the 114 degrees Also what does 1098 mean

[@Dutchtheyooper]

111 + 76 degrees. New bolt is recommended since it is a stretch bolt but I have never had a problem reusing them.

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

@@Dutchtheyooper Roger that. Good to know thanks. Also: I was told that you need to secure the flex wheel before torquing it. Is that true.. given I saw TRQ I think it is, use the special tool bolts and wedge a pry bar in there

[@Dutchtheyooper]

@@adventureoflinkmk2 I usually put vice grips on the flex plate

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

@@Dutchtheyooper and it's easy access to get to without having to remove the transmission or the starter right

[@Dutchtheyooper]

@@adventureoflinkmk2 No, you would have pull down the starter. I have also removed a spark plug and stuffed rope in the cylinder but there is a possibility of damaging something, never had a problem with that method either.

[@thehatchetman670]

If you get a harbor freight puller save yourself a trip to the store and get your own bolts....the ones that come with it are too short and will easily bend

[@skids4days42]

What engine is that out of

[@Dutchtheyooper]

Not sure, it was not original to the car

[@johnisaacs8909]

The right bolts to use are 6mm x 1.0 thread pitch

[@stevensapyak7971]

3.14.22. You are correct they are actually metric threads. M6 X 1.0 thread pitch X 70/80 or 90mm long, depending on what puller you use. Also use hardened hex or Allen bolts. You may need hardened washers too. Oh and use a propane torch to heat up the 24mm crankshaft bolt holding the harmonic balancer on! Just a minute or two, It helps to break the Loctite they use on the bolt.

[@mmorgz6622]

can confirm. im working on a 3.8 ecotec from a VS commadore(AUS). picked up some of these M6x1.0 bolts at 100mm long from bunnings. fit perfect. thankyou johnisaacs

[@OntarioCavers]

Thank the lord for this man

[@bugstomperkiwi]

Nothing in there to thread the three bolts into.

[@Dutchtheyooper]

Are you sure you have the correct size bolts? Maybe they threads in the are filled with grime?

[@danieljay247]

Thank you

[@RBFR01]

Impact guns make life easier.

[@Dutchtheyooper]

I use that normally but this was for folks that don't have all that.

[@nodayatthebeach]

Fought it, Won !

[@Dutchtheyooper]

Yes, it's different in a car. I did it on an engine out of the car for ease of doing the video. Thanks!

[@nedkelly.c0m]

Actual legend, if you have a payID I’m happy to shout a beer for you stating correct bolt sizes.

[@nedkelly.c0m]

Have saved me heaps of time pulling mine off!

[@Dutchtheyooper]

I appreciate the offer, but no worries! Glad it worked out for you.