Here's the backstory. I bought a 1997 Montero LS (3.5l V6) a few days ago. I was on my way home, and stopped at a parts store to buy new headlamps (one was out and it wouldn't pass inspection). As I was backing out, 2 of 3 drive belts broke and knocked #3 off.Obviously the belts needed to be replaced. I have the belt diagram so i know which belt goes where, but not seeing how they were before they came off, i don't know exactly where on the crank pulley the alternator belt goes. all the grooves seem to be a bit off center of the corresponding fan and alternator pulley. I have scoured the interwebs looking for pics, and they are scarce if not nonexistent.

 

After further inspection, it appears the harmonic balancer is defective. The alternator pulley had separated from the rest of the assembly and slid back about an inch.

 

Here is a link to the belts on my 2002 3.5L. Not sure if helpful to your 1997.
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...13/#post316405

 

Thanks. I figured out the problem. It was the harmonic balancer. As I try to fix one problem, it creates another. Started out, just replacing belts....then to harmonic balancer. As I was pulling the HB, the timing gear came out with it. It seems to be fused to the HB. So, now I guess I am forced to change the timing belt. Any hints on how to separate the timing gear from the HB?

 

Sounds like the bolt holding the HB to crankshaft broke or came loose.

 

My thoughts as well.

Second to last picture of this post shows the HB bolt and the timing gear loosely fitted on my 2002 3.5L
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...e9/#post315070

This post shows the woodruff key in the crank which clocks the timing gear to the crank
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...e9/#post315074

Second picture of this post shows the roll pin which clocks the timing gear to the HB on my 2002 3/5L
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...e9/#post315074

Second and third picture of this post shows the revision to the crankshaft bolt for HB that occurred allegedly due to bolt failure
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...13/#post316404

Good luck with your project!

 

It seems like you will be digging in just like I had to Chief, You may want to redo the Timing belt, Water Pump assembly, I also did the head gaskets for a total top and front rebuild. That was a@ 120 now have 168 and runs like a clock. Unfortunately the floor is rotting out of it now lol. Good Luck.

 

Lack of floor didn't stop this guy...