I have found that the Harmonic balancer on this engine is aligned by only a single pin. It did not take much to get it off, it was not that tight of a fit. I wiggled it back and forth with a large screwdriver between it and the cover while rotating it. I came right off. Once I clean everything off, I imagine this one may go on easily without much trouble.

__________________
Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)

Mike, upon reinstalling the one on my 380 I heated the balancer with propane first. This allowed time to position keyway and tighten before it shrank and grabbed hold.

Michael,

Thanks for the feedback. This balancer sounds different than the diesel motors. It is well worth whatever care and time it takes to get it back on carefully.

I just want to make sure you know that I counted the links on my new M103 timing chain. I posted the results in the "anyone ever broke a timing chain?" thread.

An installed chain will include 95 pins.

Thanks very much for the pictures and your continuing to take time to share what you are learning in the midst of a project that is obviously demanding much of your time.

Good luck,