1998 Chevy Lumina: How to Replace the Harmonic Pulley and Crankshaft Oil Gasket

[@cameronhoglan]

Thanks for posting this video. I was able to replace the balancer in my 1998 Malibu after it broke using this video as a guide. There are a couple important things to note for anyone who wants to try this: 1. Be extremely careful when installing the harmonic balancer puller, the crankshaft position sensor is directly behind the crankshaft pulley and if you're not careful, the bolts you install as part of the puller can break the crankshaft position sensor when they are screwed in. I did this by accident when I removed the pulley. It's easy to replace the sensor if you break it. 2. The o-ring gasket behind the crankshaft is extremely difficult to replace since it is a very tight fit and pops out extremely easily. The only way I was able to install this was to get a metal pipe that fit over the crankshaft and apply even pressure to all sides of the gasket at the same time, then I was able to tap the pipe and get it in. 3. I have no idea how the maker of this video managed to get a torque spec of 70-80 ft-lbs while letting the pulley spin as shown in this video. You need to restrain the pully in some way to be able to apply that high of a torque spec. You cannot do this with just a screwdriver (I bent my screwdriver trying this) and there is also not a good place behind the pulley for the screwdriver to lever against. In order to tighten the bolt to that torque spec, I screwed in one of the bolts from the harmonic balancer tool kit and put a metal pipe under the screw to brace it from the ground to stop it from spinning (it would be better to hold the screw with a high jack-stand if you have one). After I braced the bolt, I was able to tighten the crankshaft bolt to the right torque spec.

[@Animation445]

By far the best video about this subject. thank you.

[@richardc3072]

Thanks great tutorial.much needed. Confidence 100% after watching!

[@BornAHawkEye]

Right my shit is fucked I thought it was my tensioner pulley (which needed changing) until I saw my off balance harmonic. My issue is getting the bolt off

[@MrMDee-si1bz]

Thanks for the great video! Links! I’m glad you’re including ever aspects and part of the HB replacement!

[@BornAHawkEye]

Thank you bud you actually really did help me out with a lot! I'm starting my lumina from the starter because of relay issues or electric issues so I don't know if I'm going to be using your method by turning key because the key will not start my car I have to start my car under the hood. It's been issue after issue with this car I just went last night to grab a pulley because I thought the pulley was bad my belt was jumping off but I realized it's the harmonic. Then I realized I couldn't jam anything in there so it would stop spinning to unloosen the bolt you gave me some tips. You gave me some tips

[@larrywright3994]

Put you a push button starter and put it in the dash turn the key on and push the button

[@DaveLopex]

Is this replacement the same for the 1997 Chevy Lumina LTZ?

[@jtorres698]

That's awesome video real explained thank you

[@sneakysnakepie1]

did you idle rough or did the tach needle move slightly? mine sometimes act normal but most of the time it idles rough and you can barley see the tach moving Slightly.

[@Gushers2276]

If your tachometer is being stupid, try buying a can of CRC electrical cleaner Spray the harness and the sensor clean i have fixed 2 CHEVY 3.1s That had oily sensors ! ^_^ If the timing chain cover or main seal gets a leak, that shit is going to be covered!!!!

[@jesusbarajas7117]

nice video, I was looking for the crankshaft position sensor that supposedly is behind the pulley and timing belt cover. I changed out the one behind the engine with the 2 wire plug but the p0366 code still came on. any ideas?

[@djmariomar]

p0366 is camshaft not crankshaft

[@clayjae1916]

In 2024 Very helpful! Thanks

[@TheTransportr247]

Where did you get the gatorback belt? can't find one for this vehicle

[@link375]

Everything should be listed in the description

[@jmb-bj9gs]

Good video , good job . What made you change out the balancer to begin with ? Symptoms? Was it wobbling? Also how did you know the seal was torn up ? Or did you just change it just because you werr doing the balancer anyway? Thanks

[@JOKERBABYG]

Good video thanks for sharing👍

[@Gushers2276]

nice, GM does use a tiny bit of gasket maker on the harmonic balancer keyway! ^_^

[@AS-be4kp]

Thanks man

[@DiyAllaroundguy]

Pretty good. Might want to get an harmonic balancer installer to put it back on next time

[@MrMDee-si1bz]

By any chance - What is the size of the crankshaft- deal/gasket?? The gave me the wrong size twice !! Unbelievable!!!

[@Sams88990]

i work at a parts store. refer to it as a front crankshaft seal or a timing cover seal, not a gasket, and theyll grab the right one. always ask for someone who may be more familiar if you're unsure of the part name. selling wrong parts isnt fun for either side.

[@ReaperYouGames]

In the future once the harmonic balancer is seated just put the belt back on before attempting to torque the bolt,just an fyi.

[@link375]

Thanks for the info! This was the firs one I've ever done. Hopefully won't have to do another one for a while

[@ReaperYouGames]

No problem,good video btw

[@johnotto4586]

when you took the old one off you said there was a spring and something else but never showed replacing that or using the old one

[@derrickmotzer1420]

john otto its in the seal

[@WApnj]

OMG. You didn't realize which way the crankshaft turns... 6:20 Be more careful

[@bonscotty67]

He does NOW!😅

[@rubenmartinez2011]

He'll yea