Harmonic Balancer/Front Oil Seal Replacement
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
By reading what other are doing based on this forum most are just installing the harmonic damper regardless if the original had added weights or not. Most here also mistake that the weights are to zero the original “balancer” to net zero. This is wrong. The added weights are to correct for minor imbalances in the rotating group of the engine. The LS engines are designed to be fully internal balanced, however, the Corvette drivetrain being unique is more sensitive to balance, meaning the driver or passenger are more likely to feel an imbalance vibration. In most cases where weights are added to the original balancer, leaving them out or not correcting the new replacement balancer to the same imbalance will not cause anything to fail, but can be an annoyance. In a few rare cases where more than a ½” oz has been added there could be a real concern to NOT correct the replacement unit to the same imbalance at the same crankshaft location. I believe that most aftermarket manufactures of harmonic balancers are willing to take the risk that your car isn’t one of the rare cases. The real question is are you? 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 4
From: Wichita KS
Thanks for all of the advice.
I understand completely what Eric D is saying, but the one thing that confuses me is what happens when you replace the clutch assembly in the car and throw off the balance such that the weight on the OEM balancer is in the wrong position or not needed at all? I know the clutch assembly is also supposed to be balanced, but apparently they needed to put the weight on my car in the first place.
I emailed ATI's tech help line, but I'm pretty sure they are going to say just put it on as is.
Thanks again.
Steve
I understand completely what Eric D is saying, but the one thing that confuses me is what happens when you replace the clutch assembly in the car and throw off the balance such that the weight on the OEM balancer is in the wrong position or not needed at all? I know the clutch assembly is also supposed to be balanced, but apparently they needed to put the weight on my car in the first place.
I emailed ATI's tech help line, but I'm pretty sure they are going to say just put it on as is.
Thanks again.
Steve
Last edited by txst; May 19, 2010 at 07:06 AM. Reason: additional info
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 5
This is all done after removing steering rack
Powerbond balancer install. 1) a standard 3 jaw puller will work on the factory balancer to remove. 2) changing seal remove water pump, take bolts off timing chain cover and two bolts from bottom. Replace seal and re-install cover bolts are 18ft/lb water pump bolts 22-25ft/lb. Balancer install warm balancer in oven 200* for 20 minutes. apply anti-seeze to crank hub slide on balancer and hand tighten bolt balancer will slide on. Tighten to 150ft/lb remove bolt pin crank retighten to 230ft/lbs. [IMG]
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Powerbond balancer install. 1) a standard 3 jaw puller will work on the factory balancer to remove. 2) changing seal remove water pump, take bolts off timing chain cover and two bolts from bottom. Replace seal and re-install cover bolts are 18ft/lb water pump bolts 22-25ft/lb. Balancer install warm balancer in oven 200* for 20 minutes. apply anti-seeze to crank hub slide on balancer and hand tighten bolt balancer will slide on. Tighten to 150ft/lb remove bolt pin crank retighten to 230ft/lbs. [IMG]
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