Buick Regal 3800 SC timing chain

[iTurbo]

Hey guys, I'm going to be replacing the timing set (chain/sprockets) on my '98 Buick Regal GS soon. It has the L67 engine (3800 S/C). The car runs great and there are no apparent problems with the timing set, but I want to install a set of ZZP 1.9 rocker arms and LS6 valve springs/retainers for more power. I'm hesitant to do those mods with the original timing chain because of the increased load it will put on the chain.

I have the tools to remove the harmonic balancer, but I am hesitant to put my impact driver on the center bolt to remove/replace it. Could this damage the main bearings? I have seen videos of people using an impact on the bolt, or using a breaker bar and the car's starter motor to remove it. I depend on the car for my job so I'm a little nervous about potentially breaking something if I ham-fist it. I'm not really sure what the 'correct' method is for this bolt. I was even considering using a large strap wrench (and two people), which should also allow me to torque it back to spec. Although I also wonder if that would damage the elastomer ring in the balancer.

[wowzer]

i've done the breaker bar/starter motor once and used an impact several times for removal. i would not ever use an impact to replace it. tell me how i know what happens when you think you have the impact on lowest setting and actually have it on highest setting when reinstalling the crank pulley...................

[4 l-bodies]

Jeremy aren't those engines famous for balancer's going bad? I seem to remember that. The impact is fine for removal. Tighten with torque wrench. I replace timing belts all the time on import stuff. Toyota's and Honda's are unbelievably tight many times. I've used 1250lbs/ft 3/4" impacts that wouldn't remove that bolt sometimes. I fear the bolt breaking off in crankshaft someday. I know people use the starter motor, but this would be a Hail Mary, last resort for me...
Todd

[iTurbo]

Hi Todd, yeah it seems there are quite a few videos on YouTube of balancer replacement videos for the 3800. Mine seems OK though. Good to know that I can at least use an impact to remove it. I found a thread on a GM W-body forum where a guy removed a flex plate inspection cover and used a vice grip to pinch it to keep the engine from rotating, so hopefully that will work. Looks like the torque spec for it is 111 ft/lbs + 76 degrees and I may buy a new bolt if its really stubborn coming off.