Crankshaft damper-harmonic balancer

[cormorant tail kite]

Hi all. Was doing my pulley and belt addition and before we tackled it my man noticed the crankshaft damper with a bit of a wobble. I had no noise whatsoever or any shake. I get Mopar when it is possible, I would like to know, if I cannot get Mopar damper is there a worth it alternative? Also, the crankshaft front oil seal I seen is right there and will replace that as well. Is there any better seal over another?
On a few Mopar sites to order the damper, they show the bolt to damper is unavailable. Can I use the old one, or is there somewhere else to find the right bolt?
She's my DD and has been sitting a month in driveway, getting this and that's and waiting for parts, grrr
Thank you!

 

[macleanflood]

I used Felpro seals, original bolts and a Napa crank pulley. Been a year, no issues.

If you're in there you might want to do a timing chain. I used a Meling set. How many miles?

Maybe water pump. Fan clutch.

Or keep it simple. Not hard to get where you are to do more later.

-Mac

 

[cormorant tail kite]

I used Felpro seals, original bolts and a Napa crank pulley. Been a year, no issues.

If you're in there you might want to do a timing chain. I used a Meling set. How many miles?

Maybe water pump. Fan clutch.

Or keep it simple. Not hard to get where you are to do more later.

-Mac

Thank you
Yea, just put in the water pump.
Tensioner, idler pulley, belt will all go in next as will a new radiator when it comes in
It's my understanding that the seal is right behind the harmonic balancer?
Scary to go further than that.

 

[macleanflood]

Scary to go further than that.

Nothing too it. Timing chain is simple. Line up the dots.

I think the thing that gets most folks is the bolt torque in the FSM for the cover is in inch pounds not foot pounds.

-Mac

 

[cormorant tail kite]

Thank you
Yea, just put in the water pump.
Tensioner, idler pulley, belt will all go in next as will a new radiator when it comes in
It's my understanding that the seal is right behind the harmonic balancer?
Scary to go further than that.

Just under 90,000 miles

 

[macleanflood]

Just under 90,000 miles

Probably just fine. Don't fit what ain't broke. If you ever have the oil pan off you can check it for play then.

-Mac

 

[cormorant tail kite]

For putting balancer on and off..
When I was researching how to's, a video mentioned that for manual transmissions, just put it in gear and the crankshaft won't turn. Is this and accurate?
Haynes says there is a tool to hold balancer from turning while loosening the bolt. Ive seen some use a screwdriver, will that work ok?

 

[JKP]

Just put MT trans in gear with parking brake on to hold it and remove the bolt. Be sure to remove the washer under it before attempting to pull the damper.

The FSM says to tap the damper back on with a hammer and then use the bolt to pull it down. I wouldn't do that. I used a longer bolt and a stack of washers to press it on. Or you can get a loaner tool to put it back on.

 

[cormorant tail kite]

Does anyone know the torque specs for the crankshaft balancer bolt? Haynes manual says 30 plus 105 degrees. That can't be right.