Solved: Vibration Damper Removal - 1928 5-26

Posted by 28Pack526 On 2014/3/23 20:21:05

Alright experts, I'm stumped. I need to replace the timing chain cover gasket, and can't get the harmonic balancer off of the output shaft. I've read the service manual procedure and searched the forums to no avail. I've removed the center nut from the output shaft and the belt drive pulley, but the harmonic balancer doesn't have room to slide off. When I pull it forward, it it hits the front frame cross brace before it's gone far enough to slide off of the output shaft.

Moreover, the service manual's procedure for removing the timing chain cover makes no mention of a vibration damper on the 526--only on the 443. I'm beginning to wonder if my car is supposed to have one, or if one was added when it was restored. If the latter, whoever did so likely installed it with the engine out of the car and may not have realized the impending consequences. I am really not looking forward to tearing apart the front suspension to remove the cross brace, or pulling the motor, so I hope there's something I'm missing...