When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
After doing a search, I noticed that most of the balancer install questions were: "Is this on far enough?" or "How can I get the balancer to go on a little further?"
I have the opposite problem.
When I removed the balancer and the old, thin, chrome timing cover; I could see where the balancer had been lightly rubbing the timing cover.
I am installing an aluminum timing cover that is thicker than the chrome one. Is the balancer suppose to go back that far?
If not, how can I stop it?
The depth of the balancer install is determined by the timing chain gear mounted on the crankshaft and the balancer itself and how long the snout of the balancer is. I would confirm that you are using the correct balancer and timing chain for your application. I used to run a Donovan aluminum cased gear drive with a GM 8" Hi Perf damper with no problems.
The only clearance problem I had with that old Donovan gear drive on the Corvette was the rear seal plate on the water pump needed some triming to clear it.
Well, I went out and put the balancer on and tightened it until the engine started turning over. It misses the timing cover...by about 1/16 of an inch. I never actually noticed it hitting the old cover, and it is a fairly light mark. I guess it could have been something that got in between the balancer and the old cover that scratched it.
I'm gonna run with it.
Thanks for the info Scott, and the tip about the water pump!