JustinJ94FSB
Newbie
A lot of mechanics will put a dab of RTV on the woodruff key channel in the balancer to help prevent leaks. It's also a good idea.
Yup. Need to seal the keyed area in particular, and the entire snout-to-damper in general.
Some silicone sealer on the ID of the damper especially at the keyway groove. And then use the big nut and bearing/washer to force the damper in place.
When i was doing this balancer job, i did not know there was a seal to replace and i was already in the process of putting the balancer back on when i asked for help determining if i was doing it correct. I had a couple people ask if i replaced the seal. I said no cause it was not leaking before and so i didnt think about it. They recommended i change it since ive disrupted an old seal and thats a common cause of a new leak. Deciding to not take the advice, i proceeded to install the balancer. also because i had the balancer torqued on 90% of the way i let my lack of patience and experience take the wheel. I torqued the balancer on to the proper spec, and called it good.
Not using RTV sealant on the shaft end of the balancer or the woodruff key, and not replacing the seal, now that i have got the truck running like new by replacing everything chasing another issue (which i solved today), ive discovered the good sized leak visible on the bottom of the engine bay, is very likely coming from the balancer or that seal. The inside of the balancer pulley has wet oil residue in it. Looks like i get another project! i hate when i run out of those
thanks everyone for sharing knowledge and helping me as i make my own mistakes and learn from them.
will report back here once ive pulled the balancer back out, replaced the seal, and installed it properly using RTV!