Please Help! '99 Harmonic Balancer
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Lowellville OH
Please Help! '99 Harmonic Balancer
Hello gentlemen,
My 99 with 88,000 miles was making a weird noise, so when I popped the hood, I noticed that the balancer was wabbling. I picked up an SLP 25% underdrive balancer to replace it with, but I may be in over my head thinking I can install it. The car has a Magnuson supercharger on it. I am a complete rookie here, with only basic mechanical skill (oil, brakes, alternator, etc...)
1. If I take it to a shop, how much should I expect to pay to have them install the new balancer.
2. While they are in there, are there any other parts I should have them replace since it looks like they will have to pull the rack to get to it?
Thank you in advance!
--T.A.
My 99 with 88,000 miles was making a weird noise, so when I popped the hood, I noticed that the balancer was wabbling. I picked up an SLP 25% underdrive balancer to replace it with, but I may be in over my head thinking I can install it. The car has a Magnuson supercharger on it. I am a complete rookie here, with only basic mechanical skill (oil, brakes, alternator, etc...)
1. If I take it to a shop, how much should I expect to pay to have them install the new balancer.
2. While they are in there, are there any other parts I should have them replace since it looks like they will have to pull the rack to get to it?
Thank you in advance!
--T.A.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
NOTE!! If you have a Magnuson, Your dampener is most likely PINNED to the crank to prevent the dampener from slipping on the crank snout.
MAKE SURE that, whoever does the job, properly pins the dampener to the crank snout!!!!!!!!! It’s most likely pinned in front of the dampener between the crank and the crank snout. The other way to pin the crank is with an ATI Side pinning kit.
NOTE, If you side pin the dampener to the crank snout, the dampener that you choose needs to have a key way in it or you will need to machine the key way in if it doesn’t have one. Powerbond dampeners normally have a key way.
You need a dampener that is NOT under driven!
YES the job is involved, especially if you have forced induction!
COST??? Depends on how much extra work the shop does. Most people, who replace the dampener, replace the Oil Pump and timing chain. You will also need a NEW DAMPENER SEAL!!!!!!! MAKE SURE that it is replaced or you will be replacing it soon after you get the car back!
Find a shop that is familiar with LS1/LS6 engines and engine servicing! This isn’t you run of the mill repair as it requires specific removal and reinstallation critical steps. The dampener bolt is a ONE TIME USE BOLT and the torque procedure MUST be followed exactly or the dampener could come loose and fail.
The dampener needs to be pressed off the crank and properly pressed back on! That bugger is interference fit and is VERY T I G H T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clean the radiator and the AC condenser while the radiator is out of the engine bay. They will be VERY DIRTY!!
MAKE SURE that, whoever does the job, properly pins the dampener to the crank snout!!!!!!!!! It’s most likely pinned in front of the dampener between the crank and the crank snout. The other way to pin the crank is with an ATI Side pinning kit.
NOTE, If you side pin the dampener to the crank snout, the dampener that you choose needs to have a key way in it or you will need to machine the key way in if it doesn’t have one. Powerbond dampeners normally have a key way.
You need a dampener that is NOT under driven!
YES the job is involved, especially if you have forced induction!
COST??? Depends on how much extra work the shop does. Most people, who replace the dampener, replace the Oil Pump and timing chain. You will also need a NEW DAMPENER SEAL!!!!!!! MAKE SURE that it is replaced or you will be replacing it soon after you get the car back!
Find a shop that is familiar with LS1/LS6 engines and engine servicing! This isn’t you run of the mill repair as it requires specific removal and reinstallation critical steps. The dampener bolt is a ONE TIME USE BOLT and the torque procedure MUST be followed exactly or the dampener could come loose and fail.
The dampener needs to be pressed off the crank and properly pressed back on! That bugger is interference fit and is VERY T I G H T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clean the radiator and the AC condenser while the radiator is out of the engine bay. They will be VERY DIRTY!!
