C6 Harmonic balancer--to pin or not to pin?
10-02-2017, 11:36 AM
#1
C6 Harmonic balancer--to pin or not to pin?
I've seen a lot of posts on the harmonic balancer problem, but can't find one that addresses my specific question. I'm going to replace my LS2 HB soon with a Summit Racing product. Shop says to pin the HB to the crank. I don't have a supercharger and don't race the car. They also mentioned "polishing" if the crank is galled by the old HB. Are these necessary?
10-02-2017, 11:48 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Easley/Anderson South Carolina
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I would pin if replacing. It will be a good "while you're there" kind of thing. The crank shouldn't be galled by the old one, that's not the way it typically fails.
One thing though, many aftermarket HB have a squared key way already made on it, unless you have an aftermarket crank with matching jetway, ignore it. Pin it on the opposite side of the crank snout.
One thing though, many aftermarket HB have a squared key way already made on it, unless you have an aftermarket crank with matching jetway, ignore it. Pin it on the opposite side of the crank snout.
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rickmorris (10-02-2017)
10-02-2017, 12:11 PM
#3
I would pin if replacing. It will be a good "while you're there" kind of thing. The crank shouldn't be galled by the old one, that's not the way it typically fails.
One thing though, many aftermarket HB have a squared key way already made on it, unless you have an aftermarket crank with matching jetway, ignore it. Pin it on the opposite side of the crank snout.
One thing though, many aftermarket HB have a squared key way already made on it, unless you have an aftermarket crank with matching jetway, ignore it. Pin it on the opposite side of the crank snout.
10-02-2017, 02:05 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
You really don't need to pin it unless you are running a supercharger.
Especially if you are just rolling around on the street cruising and such there is nothing to gain by pinning it.
Especially if you are just rolling around on the street cruising and such there is nothing to gain by pinning it.
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rickmorris (10-02-2017)
10-02-2017, 03:19 PM
#6
Advanced
Pin it. If you don't it can spin on the crankshaft. Mine started chirping a week after my ATI was installed. Mechanic pinned it no charge and it has been quiet ever since then.
10-02-2017, 03:36 PM
#7
Drifting
Member Since: Sep 2014
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If I was doing it myself I definitely would not pin it.If I was having it done by a mechanic I would consider it (one less potential problem) if the price was reasonable. GM doesn't pin so I think that should be OK for normal use. All the failures that I've heard about are the balancer outer ring and inner ring separating.
Last edited by Dutch08; 10-02-2017 at 03:37 PM.
10-02-2017, 09:43 PM
#8
Race Director
Pin it!!!!!!
I have the ati kit but you can just drill a 1/8 " hole and put a piece of dowel in from lowes. It's too big of a job To leave off such an easy upgrade.
QUOTE=Dutch08;1595685411] If I was doing it myself I definitely would not pin it.
If I was having it done by a mechanic I would consider it (one less potential problem) if the price was reasonable. GM doesn't pin so I think that should be OK for normal use. All the failures that I've heard about are the balancer outer ring and inner ring separating.[/QUOTE]
I have the ati kit but you can just drill a 1/8 " hole and put a piece of dowel in from lowes. It's too big of a job To leave off such an easy upgrade.
QUOTE=Dutch08;1595685411]
If I was doing it myself I definitely would not pin it.If I was having it done by a mechanic I would consider it (one less potential problem) if the price was reasonable. GM doesn't pin so I think that should be OK for normal use. All the failures that I've heard about are the balancer outer ring and inner ring separating.[/QUOTE]
10-02-2017, 10:07 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
There are two pining methods (parallel) and perpendicular. Use parallel and have to remove damper. You will never align crank and damper again. You'll have to drill both a second time.
Perpendicular pining allows pins to enter Key way in damper and be replaced like you would normally. again and again!!!
While not listed i think works on LS3 engines also
http://www.lingenfelter.com/product/ATI918993.html
Perpendicular pining allows pins to enter Key way in damper and be replaced like you would normally. again and again!!!
While not listed i think works on LS3 engines also
http://www.lingenfelter.com/product/ATI918993.html
Last edited by HK770; 10-02-2017 at 10:13 PM.
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fyrcaptain (08-12-2023)
10-03-2017, 11:13 PM
#10
Safety Car
Pin it
If I was doing it myself I definitely would not pin it.If I was having it done by a mechanic I would consider it (one less potential problem) if the price was reasonable. GM doesn't pin so I think that should be OK for normal use. All the failures that I've heard about are the balancer outer ring and inner ring separating.
Last edited by irok; 10-03-2017 at 11:30 PM.
08-03-2023, 08:35 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: North Western Connecticut
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When ECS was installing my SC the mechanic did what he called a trick when pining the HB. He didn’t drop the steering rack but losened up something (perhaps motor mount) and jacked up the motor? Not really 100% sure but he did but pinned the HB in no time at all! He lol’d when I asked how did you do that so fast. That mechanic installed my SC start to finish in about 8 hours and had it all buttoned up. Doug dyno tuned the next day as it was getting late with the SC and other new items installed that day. I guess when you have the knowledge and all the right tools for doing the job a good mechanic can do wonders. Time is money..... Doug also road tested my vette after he dyno’d it and burned up 1/2 tank of fuel... not sure I want to know what he put my through! lol I will say
08-03-2023, 10:01 PM
#14
Drifting
I am planning to use the perpendicular pin and I have the kit. I am also planning to make a key to go behind the pin and fill the keyway more completely. By my measure the pin has the same diameter as the keyway in the HB so you will likely have a space between the block and the pin if you do the install and then force some silicone in from the front to prevent leaks. I don't believe that the space would actually create a problem and I have not heard of a resulting leak but I use belt and suspenders when I am doing the work because I don't want to ever do the job again.