Harmonic Balancer replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Harmonic Balancer replacement
The seal on my '72 350 timing chain cover has finally given out. Just 60k miles but it is 44 years old. The leaking oil makes quite a mess so I'm going to replace it. I'm planning on pulling the fan, water pump, and pulley on the front of the balancer. Any opinions on whether there will be enough room with that stuff removed to take off the balancer? I really don't want to remove the steel fan housing if I have to. If I can get to the balancer, I'm going to replace the seal and the balancer just in case there's a groove worn on it. That way everything will be new and not just covered up by a sleeve that can go later. What do you think? Thanks.
Duane
Duane
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 492
From: Salmon Arm, BC
I've done this recently and it's tight, but there is room to do it.I think replacing the balancer is a good call. Getting one that has lots of timing markings is even better....
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
I would also recommend replacing the stock OEM timing chain assembly as the nylon teeth on the cam sprocket will be worn and brittle and likely to shear off sooner or later. A new all metal set is very inexpensive and cheap insurance. I did this job on my 1982 and also took the opportunity to also drop the oil pan to refinish it and install a one piece Fel Pro gasket set to solve the oil leak issues.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
also agree. do the timing chain while it's out. replace balancer. replace water pump. normally I wouldn't go that far, but these are getting old and regardless of mileage, the age takes a toll on them. do it once and be done.
and use a good harmonic balancer install tool, don't just beat it one and use an impact on the bolt. drilling out snapped crank snouts is no fun, just read a few posts on here about that!
and use a good harmonic balancer install tool, don't just beat it one and use an impact on the bolt. drilling out snapped crank snouts is no fun, just read a few posts on here about that!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 160
From: new iberia la
also agree. do the timing chain while it's out. replace balancer. replace water pump. normally I wouldn't go that far, but these are getting old and regardless of mileage, the age takes a toll on them. do it once and be done.
and use a good harmonic balancer install tool, don't just beat it one and use an impact on the bolt. drilling out snapped crank snouts is no fun, just read a few posts on here about that!
and use a good harmonic balancer install tool, don't just beat it one and use an impact on the bolt. drilling out snapped crank snouts is no fun, just read a few posts on here about that!
I cringe when I hear someone say... " JUST DRIVE IT ON WITH A BIG HONKING HAMMER "... at 44 years of age on all those parts, I would replace everything you are removing... cheap insurance and a tow truck ride will cost more than those parts 
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Thanks to everyone for the comments and advice. I'm going to replace the water pump, balancer, and seal. Then in the spring, if I'm still around, I'll do the timing chain and oil pan one piece gasket. If I go further than that, I'd replace the cam, but then I'd want to do a valve job and probably update the heads,..... blah,blah,blah. Actually, a new crate motor is looking really good now. I could just put the original engine on a stand in the corner of the garage and let somebody deal with everything somewhere down the road.
Duane
Duane