loose harmonic balancer
 

Weirdness. Locator Key sheared and bolt holding HB spun until bolt was almost out. No electric or PS.
Looks like I need a new HB because it took a beating. Last timearea was touched was 50K ago with
a timing belt job. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Edges of crank shaft got rounded off a bit, am i a goner?

RE: loose harmonic balancer
 

Had this problem with a BMW... Fixed it byfashioning a new key with ascrewand JB Weld. It did work. However, I can't say for how long since I got rid of the car- quickly!

RE: loose harmonic balancer
 

Best would be to do the timing belt since it is time to do it anyways.
Buya new timing crank pulley the toothed one and replace. The key was part of that pulley.

Pretty common for people that either don't get the outer pulley lined up correctly or don't get the crank bolt tight enough.

RE: loose harmonic balancer
 

So the only thing that keeps HB in sinc with crank is the little nub on the cast crank gear? There is no seperate metal key for the slot in the crank shaft?
Ifso, no wonder the importance of proper bolt tightening. I bet the last mech didn't follow proper proceduresand, yes the belt will be replaced -the crank washer appeared to be backward and shaved off the belts edge by atleast an eighth inch. Thanks again,tech.

RE: loose harmonic balancer
 

Yes you are right on the gear.

Sounds like you go it under control.

Your welcome anytime.