Oddball balancer?

[Dog Fodda]

I have a 1999 3.8 with 67k miles. Im removing the timing cover to replace the chain. Ive already got the balancer bolt out, and now need to pull the balancer.

The thing is, i dont have the special puller so im using the normal puller. Everywhere on the net it says to use 6mm × 1.0 or 1/4 - 28 bolts. Ive tried both and they are too small.

It looks like they are m8 or 5/16 fine because a 5/16 course almost threads in.

Is this a special limited edition canadian balancer, or is there a vast balancer bolt conspiracy? Is this a third variant bolt size thats common? I dont want to damage the threads.

[LETZRIDE]

Some of the newer pullers don’t have the right size bolts in it to fit the pulley. I remember I had to go back to my old kit to find the correct bolts.

I can’t remember the size bolts so it may mean a trip to lowes to buy a few different sizes to get the right pitch/threads.

I do remember it being odd sized for sure!

[FirebirdGT]

GM p/n 24501367

3/16-16 x 1.15 Class 3A Balancer Bolt

[Dog Fodda]

GM p/n 24501367

3/16-16 x 1.15 Class 3A Balancer Bolt

Appreciate the help, but 3/16" is smaller than 1/4"

[FirebirdGT]

Appreciate the help, but 3/16" is smaller than 1/4"

Well - that's the factory bolt size per the parts diagram.

Take the bolt to Ace and try nuts.

[ssms5411]

I got my bolts and puller from ZZPerformance , used it twice now, little expensive but pays off.

[Dog Fodda]

Well - that's the factory bolt size per the parts diagram.

Take the bolt to Ace and try nuts.

I dont have a bolt, and why would I look for nuts? No offense, but did you read the original post?

[FirebirdGT]

If you have a bolt of unknown thread size you can find the size by trying different nuts at Ace - or similar store.

So what happened to the balance shaft drive gear bolt? You said you got it out.