I’m trying to install the harmonic balancer on my wifey’s ride (’98 3.8L). I rented an installer tool from AutoZone that I’ve used before on other vehicles, but it won’t work on my wifey’s car due to the balancer’s design. The bore where the tool goes is too deep, so the large nut on the installer tool is effectively inside the bore making it impossible to get a wrench on it in order to turn the nut.

What am I missing? How does everyone else install the stock harmonic balancer on their 3.8L motors? Is there a different tool I should be using? One specific to mustangs or something? Or am I just “doing it wrong”?

Thanks in advance...

 

Bump bump...

 

Anyone?

One idea I got was to rent a second Harmonic Balancer installer and take roller bearing in that kit and stack it with the roller bearing from the first installer kit in order to position the nut further out in order to get a wrench on it. This may work, but I'm not sure if it will bind or not. My local autozone doesn't have any more installer kits. They are all being rented at the moment. Who knows when they will get one in. I'm getting ready to put the motor back in the car, so I need to figure this out soon.

Thanks in advance...

 

I think when I did it I took the washer off and used that with the installer.

 

Tap it on first with a soft faced hammer. Get it on far enough that the bolt and washer will grab a few threads. Than snug it down with the bolt and washer. You only need the tool to take it off. Once you're spinning the engine and not the bolt, you've got it in there.