Harmonic balancer install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: SF Bay Area CA
Harmonic balancer install
I have a '64 with a 300hp engine. The crank does not have a threaded end. Has any one installed a balancer while the engine was still in the car? Did you have enough room to swing a dead blow hammer?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
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From: columbus oh
Team Owner
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From: Greenville, Indiana
Two reasons not to knock one on with a hammer:
The impact of a hard lick can/might shear the rubber between the hub and the outer ring.
The impact of a hard lick could bend the crankshaft thrust flange.
Real world, neither is likely at all as long as you don't wail away at the thing putting it back on with a hammer. Use a two pound STEEl hammer and just "bump" it back on the crankshaft nose. Don't try to "pound" it on. You will hear the hammer ring when you reach bottom.
I've probably put 50 of them on this way and never hurt a thing.
I wouldn't use a dead blow hammer. Use a solid steel hammer.
Le Mans Master
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From: The problem is all inside your head she said to me.
I would not think drilling along the center line will change the balance. I would assume you could use a standard balancer bolt as a guide but you may need a long one to start the process of installing the balancer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
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From: columbus oh
i dont think you want to install a balancer by using a long bolt and then going smaller..if you do indeed thread the crank snout, then use the proper tool to install the thing, me i would get a bfh....bwdik??
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Instructor
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Le Mans Master
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From: columbus oh
Team Owner
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From: Greenville, Indiana
did that on my 57 chevy c/mp car on opening day at national trail raceway waay back in 64....new nhra rules required it along with a driveshaft loop.....used a 5/16 bit and borrowed a 3/8 tap and went at it...it was easy to do after i removed the radiator and there was a welder there that was kept busy fitting drive shaft loops on many many shoe box chevys,,,,10.00 for welding and materials, i had to borrow 5 bucks from my then girl friend who wore an up do coiffeure ..looked like she sucked on an air hose!!......
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