Harmonic Balancer Moved??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Harmonic Balancer Moved??
A little help please. I went to check my timing and noticed something interesting. To the left of the harmonic balancer there seems to be a gap between it and the pulley. Here is a picture of the situation. Does this look like the harmonic balancer in fact has shifted right? If so what do you guys reccomend? A new one? Fix the old one? Can you tell by looking at the photo that it has in fact moved towards the timing chain cover? Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Eric79-L48; Jan 23, 2006 at 04:17 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville MD
Looks like the outer ring has slipped and began to work its' way towards the timing cover. First....with it slipping....a correct timing is impossible because the marks have moved. Second....if it isn't touching the timing cover yet...it Will!!! Then you'll have a mess on your hands. it'll wear through the cover and create an oil leak. Then you'll be replacing the dampner AND the timing cover! My recommendation.....order a new one from Summit....all you need is a basic stock type one. They sell a unit that is better than stock for around $65-$75. I put one on mind to avoid this type of problem. Also.....you cannot fix these things......once the rubber ring starts to go...it's done.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Originally Posted by Harleydude51
Looks like the outer ring has slipped and began to work its' way towards the timing cover. First....with it slipping....a correct timing is impossible because the marks have moved. Second....if it isn't touching the timing cover yet...it Will!!! Then you'll have a mess on your hands. it'll wear through the cover and create an oil leak. Then you'll be replacing the dampner AND the timing cover! My recommendation.....order a new one from Summit....all you need is a basic stock type one. They sell a unit that is better than stock for around $65-$75. I put one on mind to avoid this type of problem. Also.....you cannot fix these things......once the rubber ring starts to go...it's done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Originally Posted by big_G
Stick a fork in it...it's done...
Replace it, it's not that hard of a job if you have the right tools. You can rent a harmonic balancer puller/installation tool from Autozone for free with a credit card deposit. I did this last year on mine, had the same problem as yours.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Originally Posted by Eric79-L48
I have a mechanic that does the more "difficult" engine work for me. He says that I should go with a genuine GM harmonic balancer rather than aftermarket. Thoughts on this?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Originally Posted by Gordonm
If it is a stock motor the GM one will be fine. This is not to difficult of a job though. Get a puller and it will come off quite easy. Put it back on with the proper install tool and away you go.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I would think about 3 hours from the time he drives it in until it is driving out is about right. If you have the right tools and no problems (yea right) it should be about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands LA
Also may want to consider replacing your front seal while you have the balancer out. Don't know how many mailes are on yours, but I would certainly take the opportunity to change it. Just my 2 cents.
ltlevil
ltlevil
