I am working on my car like right this minute and i need to know if it is needed to pull the balancer to change out the optispark i have some install pages say u need to pull it but my haynes manuel say nothing about it somebody please respond in the next hour!!!!!! thanks for help Joe

 

I think you may be able to get the opti out just by removing the balancer itself and not the hub. Either way, you will need a balancer puller to get it off, so make sure you use one. Whatever you do, DO NOT hit it with a hammer or blunt object or try to pry it off. If it doesn't want to come off, spray it with some penetrating oil and give it time, then pull. If that doesn't work, head to a parts store and get a puller. Thats the easiest way to get the balancer off.

On another note, its beena while since Ive seen the stock hub/balancer combo so I don't know if you'll need to get the hub off as well. Start with the balancer and see, then move on to the hub.

If you do in fact need to take off the hub, make sure you keep track of where #1 TDC is so you can put it back on correctly, since there is no key in the crank.

Hope this helps.

 

Put the arrow on your pulley pointing straight up (12 o'clock), then remove the pulley. You won't have to remove the hub.