harmocic balancer install?
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From: west coast fl
harmocic balancer install?
In my previous discussion I found out that my balancer is bad and needs replaced. I'am thinking of installing it myself but have hit a road block. This balancer has no center bolt and has to be pressed on. Ive been told I can pound it on with a 2x4 and large hammer. First is this the proper way and if it is what do I need to know before I start this. Thanks Roland.
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Re: harmocic balancer install? (ro.co3)
Hey Roland,
The 2x4 and large hammer are OK for this....BUT
first polish the shaft to remove any burrs and rust. You also want to try to polish the inside of the harmonic balancer. Once you have 2 clean surfaces,
then you can proceed to tap the balancer in place. Make sure you have
access to direct your hammer hits to the center of the hub. Watch out for your fan blades, radiator...etc. Remember this is an exercise in small
direct taps as opposed to all out brute force. IF the balancer assembly
doesn't fit right DON'T Force it on... Good LucK!
Also forgot your year.... IF it is a C1 there is a spacer that goes on behind the
assembly, otherwise it will be about 1/8" off (too far in)on the belt alignment.
Take Care,
Shawn
:chevy
[Modified by stouro, 5:04 PM 9/29/2003]
The 2x4 and large hammer are OK for this....BUT
first polish the shaft to remove any burrs and rust. You also want to try to polish the inside of the harmonic balancer. Once you have 2 clean surfaces,
then you can proceed to tap the balancer in place. Make sure you have
access to direct your hammer hits to the center of the hub. Watch out for your fan blades, radiator...etc. Remember this is an exercise in small
direct taps as opposed to all out brute force. IF the balancer assembly
doesn't fit right DON'T Force it on... Good LucK!
Also forgot your year.... IF it is a C1 there is a spacer that goes on behind the
assembly, otherwise it will be about 1/8" off (too far in)on the belt alignment.
Take Care,
Shawn
:chevy
[Modified by stouro, 5:04 PM 9/29/2003]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 216
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From: west coast fl
Re: harmocic balancer install? (stouro)
Thanks Shawn, Its a 1965-327 (250hp). In my shop manual chevy shows a speacial tool for hitting it on, is there an after market one available or just stick with the 2x4. Roland.
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From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: harmocic balancer install? (ro.co3)
I just did this a week ago.
I found the 2x4 didn't work too well and took too much room.
So, I used an old mudflap that was made of a plastic that distorts but doesn't rip apart. It was thick enough to keep the hub from marking but not so thick that it absorbed too much of the impact -- plus, it gave more room to swing.
As was said in a previous post, don't expect it too move far with each stroke.
Tom Piper
I found the 2x4 didn't work too well and took too much room.
So, I used an old mudflap that was made of a plastic that distorts but doesn't rip apart. It was thick enough to keep the hub from marking but not so thick that it absorbed too much of the impact -- plus, it gave more room to swing.
As was said in a previous post, don't expect it too move far with each stroke.
Tom Piper
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 51
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From: Ferndale WA
Re: harmocic balancer install? (ro.co3)
Roland...
I also have a '65 with the original 327 engine and before I rebuilt the engine (due to the harmonic balancer coming loose and chewing up the forged crank end) I had problems with the harmonic balancer creeping forward off the crank. I think the previous owner had let this go on too long as the keyways were worn on the crank and I couldn't get it to stay in place particularly when I "got on it!" When I rebuilt and modified the engine I obtained another small journal forged crank and had the machine shop (that did the other work on my engine) drill and tap the end of the crank for a standard harmonic balancer bolt that wasn't part of the GM solution until the large journal cranks were introduced (in '67, I believe). Check with JohnZ on this as he's very knowledgable on when the factory made changes, etc. In any case, I can now "get on it" with no adverse repercussions - even ran the 1/4 a few times just to test it out!
:hurray:
[Modified by vettewine, 12:24 PM 9/30/2003]
I also have a '65 with the original 327 engine and before I rebuilt the engine (due to the harmonic balancer coming loose and chewing up the forged crank end) I had problems with the harmonic balancer creeping forward off the crank. I think the previous owner had let this go on too long as the keyways were worn on the crank and I couldn't get it to stay in place particularly when I "got on it!" When I rebuilt and modified the engine I obtained another small journal forged crank and had the machine shop (that did the other work on my engine) drill and tap the end of the crank for a standard harmonic balancer bolt that wasn't part of the GM solution until the large journal cranks were introduced (in '67, I believe). Check with JohnZ on this as he's very knowledgable on when the factory made changes, etc. In any case, I can now "get on it" with no adverse repercussions - even ran the 1/4 a few times just to test it out!
:hurray:
[Modified by vettewine, 12:24 PM 9/30/2003]
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From: west coast fl
Re: harmocic balancer install? (vettewine)
vettewine thanks for the reply, I agree if I ever have to pull this motor its going to get drilled and bolted. The guy who came up with this press on balancer was a man of faith for sure. I removed the old balancer today and installed the new one. Used the hammer and large socket like john said and went on like butter. By the way I pulled the belts ,pullies and fan and left the shroud and radiator, worked great. Now I just have to see if it stays put. Roland.
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From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: harmocic balancer install? (ro.co3)
The guy who came up with this press on balancer was a man of faith for sure.
Roland.
Roland.
Seems like saving money is more important.
Tom Piper
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