Author Topic: Installing Eng Counter Weight  (Read 2480 times)

Kevkeller

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Installing Eng Counter Weight
« on: March 05, 2018, 02:31:56 »
I just installed a new front oil seal. I’m trying to get the counter balance wheel on the front so the pins line up.

This is frustrating as hell.  I keep having to remove it because I can’t quite get it right. Is there an easy way to do this? 

The engine is in the car so I can’t really get a straight look down the hole.
1970 280 SL

Benz Dr.

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Re: Installing Eng Counter Weight
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2018, 05:30:19 »
This is why I always turn the engine over to TDC on number one piston before I take anything apart. I also mark the balance weight to the end of the crank before I remove it.

Remove your oil fill cap and look where the cam lobes are pointing. If you are at or near TDC the lobes will be pointing up. Mark the TDC  mark with white paint so you will be able to see more easily while trying to line up your pointer to the balancer. Keep in mind that the two dowel pins are offset a bit so the pulley can only go on in one position.   
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
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Kevkeller

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Re: Installing Eng Counter Weight
« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2018, 05:32:39 »
Thanks.  The crank moved though when I removed the main bolt. 

Kevin
1970 280 SL

Kevkeller

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Re: Installing Eng Counter Weight
« Reply #3 on: March 05, 2018, 06:13:01 »
There are some accurate dimples already marked on the end of both but damn it’s hard to line up. I even scribed a couple of lines along each pin hole.  I’m getting closer.  Hope I don’t hang my self first.
1970 280 SL

Kevkeller

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Re: Installing Eng Counter Weight
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2018, 08:50:00 »
I was able to get it mounted without hanging myself. I was installing the hub using the main bolt to pull it on.  Every time it would rotate slightly as I tightened it. Some times more than others.

So I ended up tapping it on with a 2” diameter aluminum rod and hammer. Maybe that’s what everyone else does but didn’t initially think of it.
1970 280 SL

wwheeler

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Re: Installing Eng Counter Weight
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2018, 16:22:57 »
I had some issues with mine. I ended up having to LIGHTLY file on certain areas. I first made sure the weight fit perfectly on the shaft with no pins. If it didn't fit correctly, I used a sharpie as a highlighter on the shaft to expose where the piece was making contact. If it was a burr or a raised area, I just LIGHTLY filed it back. Making index marks on the shaft and weight before you take it off make it easy to line back up. It only goes on one way, although with a BFH, you might get it on part way the wrong way. 

Wallace
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ja17

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Re: Installing Eng Counter Weight
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2018, 05:13:35 »
Kevkeller, you discovered the process I use exactly, to make a minor adjustment in alignment while installing the dampner. The dampner can be slightly adjusted before the pins engage, by tapping it to rotate it slightly. As described, do not tap on it directly, but use a suitable drift or rod.
Joe Alexander
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