Slipped Balancer - Normal?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: La Jolla California
Slipped Balancer - Normal?
I recently (a couple months) marked TDC on my balancer when I had the motor apart. The balancer didn't have any marks on it previously. I've driven it hard a couple of times since I got the car running well about two weeks ago. The balancer is not keyed to the crankshaft. I went to check timing tonight and it seems it's slipped about 20*. Is this normal for non-keyed balancers?
As far as why it doesn't have a key, the motor is a modern LT1. The crank had a slot for a key but didn't have one and the balancer had no slot to accept one. I used a grinder to make a key slot on the balancer hub and put a key in the crank, but wasn't ever able to get them matched up correctly so I took the key out. I figured if that's the way they come stock on LT1s, then it'd be OK to leave it that way.
If this is all normal, is there anyway I can accurately shoot timing without having to remark TDC every time I want to take a reading?
As far as why it doesn't have a key, the motor is a modern LT1. The crank had a slot for a key but didn't have one and the balancer had no slot to accept one. I used a grinder to make a key slot on the balancer hub and put a key in the crank, but wasn't ever able to get them matched up correctly so I took the key out. I figured if that's the way they come stock on LT1s, then it'd be OK to leave it that way.
If this is all normal, is there anyway I can accurately shoot timing without having to remark TDC every time I want to take a reading?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Allen TX
Re: Slipped Balancer - Normal? (Langadorf)
I know that this isn't much help, but I know that the supercharged guys were always slipping the hub. I would assume that this is bad thing.
Check this link under "Keyed crankshaft hub", perhaps this is what you need:
http://www.thunderracing.com/index.c...yid=1107#T1572
See ya,
John
Check this link under "Keyed crankshaft hub", perhaps this is what you need:
http://www.thunderracing.com/index.c...yid=1107#T1572
See ya,
John
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Re: Slipped Balancer - Normal? (Langadorf)
Are you sure it is not keyed? I think most factory balancers are keyed, but if you look at one closely the outer ring is separated from the hub by a layer of rubber. I think the problem when they slip is that the bond between the rubber and the inner hub or outer ring lets go, or the rubber tears. I think you need a new balancer.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Allen TX
Re: Slipped Balancer - Normal? (Russ Bellinis)
The late model LTx hubs are NOT keyed even though the crank is. There is a pointer on the hub to help install the hub in the "proper" orientation. I agree, this is a dumb way to design things.
See ya,
John
See ya,
John
