Thread: Locking Harmonic Balancer into place

I hope I am posting this in the right section to get help. If not can someone let me know and I will move it.

I have spent at least 4 hours yesterday trying to break the bolt on the harmonic balancer yesterday. After using Google and the search function on this site. I understand now that they are put on crazy tight from GM and if they have never been removed before it is almost impossible to get off. What I have tried so far.

1. Using an impact wrench 1/2" which would not budge it. After reading I realize my compressor and Impact does not have enough torque nor CFM. My compressor is a simple garage compressor from tractor supply 30 gal. max 135psi.

2. I found a small pry bar that would fit through one of the fly wheel holes and wedged it against the block. Using a 24" breaker bar I pulled hard enough to bend the pry bar and tilt the engine stand with no luck of the bolt breaking.

I have read post of people being successful by using stronger impact wrenches. I have also seen videos of people using the starter while the engine is in the car to break the bolt loose.

Has anyone been successful at heating the bolt with a torch and breaking it loose. If so how considering that part of the HB is rubber.

Next considering that the engine is already out of the car on an engine stand has anyone made a tool to hold the HB that doesn't require welding. Just simple supplies that can be found at HomeDepot or Lowes. Or maybe a tool that will lock the flywheel. As I am just a simple DIY guy that does not know how to weld.

Just so I am clear. Place vice grips on the flex plate and rotate until it comes in contact with engine stand. Next pull like hell on the breaker bar ? I saw this before in a post but was afraid I would bend the flex plate or mess up the teeth. I have been letting the bolt soak in PB Blast overnight and will try this when I leave work today.

Exactly! Forgot to add fat friend part. I should probably also include a 6 pack of beer for fat friend.

I was able to break the bolt last night with a little help. It actually made a loud pop. I wasn't sure a first what it was I thought I broke something. As you can see in the pic. I used some vise grips and piece of rebar through one of the flywheel holes. It definitely took 2 people. One standing on the engine stand while the other leans on the breaker bar with all their weight.

Thanks again for all the help.