Recharging system issue

I saw a few videos and parts (to buy) for harmonic balances. I did not look at them though because I was looking for pulleys. I'll research those a bit and look over the job. Can you confirm that the harmonic balancer is NOT supposed to free float. I went out and fiddled with it some more and can slide it freely forward over the next pulley. I can also spin it freely (if I have it leveled well) when its pushed back.

Also, if its not supposed to float freely, easy fix?

I'll have to run out here in a minute but will check back later this evening.

 

it's not supposed to float freely. There is no fix that's a replace it to fix it.

 

Yes mechanicjon that was just bad terminology on my part.

Just wanted to give an update to anyone that is interested in following the issue.

I still believe this harmonic balancer is the issue. I've been able to get the harmonic balancer off (along with the 3 pulley series on the crankshaft) and buy a new one, but the key is missing (not on ground anywhere so probably pushed back inside the oil pump). Right now I've pulled the front crank seal looking for the key and have been unable to find it. The next step is to pull the oil pump face but we have not been able to get enough pressure on a socket (with Phillips bit) or screw driver to keep from rounding the head of the screws. I've got my father looking over other ideas before pulling the radiator so we can get an impact drill on them. He also has a friend that can lend us an air compressor if things are really stuck.

Just wanted to give folks an update since you guys/gals have given so much help and info.

In the next week or so I should get the oil plate face off, locate the key, get everything back together with a new front crank seal and harmonic balancer and see if this solves all the problems. I also picked up felt washers and dielectric grease for the battery terminals because its not going to hurt and its >$5. I'll update again when I have everything back together and if all the issues have been solved.

 

If you have a Toyota alternator the rebuild kit is about $15-$20 bucks from Toyota. Takes about five minutes to do (really, 20 mins) Easy to do, prob. fix your problem (brushes)

Just saw your video. Bad luck there. looks to be your problem. Sorry.

 

This is a 4 cylinder engine, correct?

I believe the 4 cylinder has a key for the harmonic balancer and a key for the oil pump gear or timing chain gear. The key only locates the harmonic balancer, so the notch on the pulley can be used to manual check timing with a timing light. Having the bolt torqued properly is what actually holds the pulley to the crankshaft without spinning.

Has the pulley been removed by anyone before? Maybe they never installed the key. I don't think there's enough room for the key to slip into the oil pump.

Did the key break? Is part of it still in the crankshaft slot?

For removing the oil pump cover, make sure you use a JIS screwdriver bit. A Phillips screwdriver will tend to strip the screw. To remove mine, I used a JIS bit of the correct size, tapped it in lightly until it was snug, then carefully placed my socket wrench over the bit to loosen it. I replaced all the screws with high strength stainless steel hex type head screws.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/jis-screwdrivers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SSLsJNgn4M

 

Hello All,

Hope all is well. Wanted to jump back in and give the, possibly, last update. Did not have to pull the oil pump face! Key was there, in its place all along it was difficult to see. For anyone that sees this two years down the road with a similar problem removing the front crank seal and poking around with a mirror you can see it in the back in its spot. The key was firmly in place and did not want to move forward at all so there may be another mechanism holding it in the crankshaft somewhere.

After installing a new seal, harmonic balancer and felt washers/dielectric grease (on the battery terminals, overkill but >$5) I am proud to say it seems all of my issues have gone away. It also simultaneously seems to have solved an issue with my air compressor for AC where the alternator belt was putting additional tension on the AC belt.

If anyone runs into the issue where its not your battery, belt tension, alternator and may seem to be an intermittent issue, pull your alternator belt loose and see if that last pulley has any give to it. Should be stuck fast. Thanks to everyone for the assistance in troubleshooting and suggestions!