I am confused on using the harmonic balancer sleeve from National (redi-sleeve, quick-sleeve) that has a non-removable flange for installation. It seems that usually one can remove the flange if you nip the flange then twist off after pressing the sleeve onto the shaft. But the one I purchased from Oreily isn't precut and I ended up just mangling it trying to get it off. A deeper read of the directions notes that one removes the flange 'except for harmonic balancer sleeve'. Doh. Problem is, on my balancer one can't fully seat the sleeve due to a raised section, thus it seems I MUST remove it or it will smash against the main-seal/timing cover seal. am I right in being worried about it? I just don't see a way to fully seat the redi-sleave due to the lip on the shaft. And see the non-removable flange on the National redi-seal. Do I dare try to use it and just leave the flange on (seated to the ridge line not the base, ) as per directions and just install? I'm afraid...


Non removable flange on the sleeve

See the ridge near the base/wheel that will interfere with a sleeve

 

BTW, the Balancer shown above with a smooth shaft is a new one off the web but otherwise like mine.

 

I'd polish the balancer & run it without a sleeve. On all the ones I remove, I sandblast & paint them, then wirewheel away the paint where the seal touches, which polishes them well enough that I've only had one (of probably a dozen) leak. But that was with a factory front main seal - a new seal stopped it. If yours is bad enough that it still leaks, I'd replace the balancer.