stuck harmonic balancer
 

hello all. i just got a 1996 firebird. with a 3.8 V6 t-tops and alot of problems. i ran a code test and it said i need a crank sensor and a MAF sensor. both easy jobs. or i thought. i got the crank sensor but the harmonic balancer wont come off. i took the center bolt out but it wont move. i tryed auto zone for a puller but they had nothing to help... any lil trick to pop it off??????

Clean the corrosion terminals plugs where the senors plug in and re-run code test.

up date. i just tryed to start it and its dead. it turns over but no fire. so i think the crank sensor just took a dump. any clue how to get the balancer off.

anyone??? HELP

ok i got a gear pull from napa and i hope that will work. bout to got try it now

If the 3.8 is anything like the LT1 the balancer bolts onto a hub. It is the hub that comes off in a different manner.

There is some info to be gained in the 82 - 02 Firebird and TA Tech area.

You might have a bit more luck with this question on a site for late models and V6's. This Forum is primarily aimed at traditional Pontiac motors and older vehicles.

Stewart

got ya. i'm new. i'm sure it shows. but i got the bastard off. i needed a gear puller to get it off. not a harmonic balancer puller. it came right off. now theres a lil ticking noise. but i'm bout to pull it one more time and figure it out..couldnt be anything big.

Fun... My 99 Chev with 3.1 threw the crank sensor codes after a replaced balancer (outer ring slipped 3/4", throwing belt). Knowing balancer was new, eventually replaced both crank sensors, cam sensor, balancer a 2nd time (still warrantied), and timing gears/chain. End result after taking it to a shop in frustration was that the slotted ring on the balancer had been pressed in too far, causing the crank sensor to occasionally lose the trigger signal.

Autozone parts - it sucks to buy new parts that were manufactured incorrectly.

ya. i had win that happens.. i hve got cv axels from autozone that made more noise than the old ones..... but i got it together.. it was the lil plastic cover. it was rubbing the balancer. i trimmed it and now its working great. starts every time i hit the key.