possible harmonic balancer issue/ how to remove

[ltbrett]

My m60 completely shuts down momentarily any time I get above 4000 pm. It throws a code for crank position sensor. I changed the sensor, and everything was fine for about a year. Now the problem is back. I took a close look at the harmonic balancer and found a 20/1000 difference in the gap to the crank sensor as the engine was rotated. I think I've found the likely culprit, but I've never yanked a balancer with the engine in the car. How do you get the bugger off? What do you use to hold the crankshaft? And am I missing any troubleshooting steps or have I zeroed in on the right problem? Any suggestions for a competent rebuilder? Thanks.

Brett

[Timm]

The harmonic balancer is held on by eight M8 bolts - you don't need to remove the M18 bolt:



There have been a few cases where the balancer causes a problem at high revs - but as the revs drop the engine should pick up again. The cost of the balancer (or vibration damper as BMW calls it) is prohibitively expensive from BMW - you would need to find one in a scrappy....

[toomanyparts]

I had mine rebuilt by damper doctor. Was not very expensive and will never have to be done again.

[ltbrett]

I'm doing a little happy dance. It's so rare that a job ends up easier than anticipated. I'm sure there will be some swearing involved, but not nearly as much as if I had to mess with the crankshaft. The doctor will be getting my damper this week while I have the brake booster rebuilt. "...find one in a scrappy..." I love the Brits and their expressions!

Brett

[toomanyparts]

Good to hear. I remember reattaching the bolts with a little fiddly due to a lack of sight, but turnaround time on the damper was pretty fast. Obvious, but will say it for assurance, make sure you use a little loctite and follow the torque spec on reassembly - not something you want coming loose while driving!

[Timm]

I'm astounded there are actually businesses that specialise in mending vibration dampers!