Just an update... again.
 

Today we installed my heads fresh from the machine shop. Shop replaced a slightly bent valve and valve seats. Worked their magic and Bam they look brand new. I found the 3 pass sequenced torque easier than the 22ft/lbs plus degrees installation. Anyways, back to my question. We were putting the harmonic balancer back on with the installation tool and when we just about got it completely seated we turned it and there was a noise that came from within. Seemed with about every half rotation of the balancer it happened. Stumped, we stopped and began removing it again. Once it was close to off we rotated it again...... No noise!! Does anyone know what is happening here? 🤔🤔
please advise..
We have changed oil pan gasket, trans pan gasket and filter, timing chain sprockets and cover. Trans front seal. Went on with heads & new bolts +gaskets today. Still left.... Spider inj, egr valve gasket, waterpump and gasket, lim gasket , valve cover gaskets ,bolts and grommets and exhaust gaskets. Etc. That noise on the balancer concerns me. My mechanic says he's never had that happen b4. Any thoughts???
and yes we did put oil all down lifter valley ( I think that's what it's called) before turning balancer. Please helpSorry so long..
it's a 99 Blazer, 2dr,2wd 164k miles 4.3 vortec
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https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/blazerf...efe1450884.jpg
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If you have the balancer off - give the snout of the balancer a rub with a polishing cloth 1500 or 2000 grit. Should have no rust when it goes over the simmerring else it may damage the sealing lip. May want to put a light coat of silicone grease on as well.

Just thinking that the noise could be from the installer tool itself. The center plate may be loose and tumbles around on the mounting slits.

Thanks error_401,
we are getn on it first thing this am. I couldn't sleep last night with it on my mind. After put n about 1k $ in this 99 Blazer for what started out as a lim gasket replacement, I want it to come out alive and well. Not more probs. I will try what you suggested. Keep an eye on me today please , might need your expertise advice again... Will keep u posted.. thanks#mychevyblazerlife

I don't think those heads were that clean from the factory!


George

Me either GeorgeLG !! They are every bit of $ 225 clean for sure. Well just got some bad news. We gotta drop oil pan tslightly , take timing chain cover back off and turn around the plate that goes in front of the crankshaft. we some how have installed it incorrectly.... yeah!!! fun!

Yeah - engine building is a tedious process. Lots and lots of small things that can bite you in the a... if you have not documented it perfectly.
Took me one hour to figure out how the timing chain goes back on and one more hour to press the bearings in for the balance shaft, put the camshaft in and fix the timing gears.

This is definitely "measure twice, cut once" kind of work so that you don't bury fatal mistakes in your work. Its rewarding when it goes well.

George

Well I know 1 thing if nothing at all.. I'm ready for the rewards to start coming in. It's been almost 3 weeks it seems since we started this project. Got delayed about 1 week due to rain and cold spell. I will never do a job like this in the outdoors... Now I've got to let it sit till this weekend due to prior engagements..

Well, pjd with the 1999 engine. please keep the updates coming. I am a shade tree mechanic and can Identify with the frustrations of working in the outdoors. There are enough mechanical issues without having to deal with fickle Mother Nature, too. I feel your pain. Let us know the outcome. Hang in there! Thanks, Jim.