well i figured out whats wrong with my car.about 3 months ago i replaced my harmonic balancer,and recently it started shaking again and oil was spinning out from the crank seal.so i pulled of the balancer and the keyhole was stripped and the balancer was cracked,and it looks like the crank threads are stripped...maybe a bad casting?i have pics but i dont know how to post them?somebody help quick!thanx guys.
anyone ever seen a balancer crack???pics
- Thread starter rgreathouse
- Start date
saleenx029
New Member
If the harmonic balancer goes out will the belt get tossed? Just wondering if anyone had this problem before?
my dads 80 bronco with a 302 cracked the balancer bad infact a piece of it broke off from we ended up buying another motor fir it cause it ruined the crank. from what i understand from the machine shop we took the second motor to (we rebuilt a yard motor) this problem happens more than most think it would but i dont remember what exactly the cause it i think it had something to do with the keyway on the crank
I have seen it on a 79 Mustang due to over reving the motor. (Not implying that you did this). I was like 19 years old and very inexperienced and learned that stock motors will not do 7k plus rpm for long. Note to self never floor a Mustang on a gravel road without a rev limiter. 
lol Good thing I did it though since that's what got me into rebuilding engines.
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
You say you replaced it 3 months ago - if there was nothing wrong with the key-way/crank/threads when you took the old one off, I'd say the odds were high that you did the damage when you installed the replacement balancer. Sounds like you pulled the new one on with the keyway misaligned. In any event - looks like you get to rebuild the engine as the crank will have to be replaced.
TIMMY2734
Founding Member
im pretty sure there was no over revvin in the gravel goin on...although it sounds like fun!im sure i put it on with the keyway lined up...would it even go on if it wasnt?either way im excited about building something...but i would like to know if it is worth turning a claim into kragan?and id also still like to know how to post pics
thanks everyone!
thanks everyone!
How did you install the balancer? If you feel that the part was installed correctly, then I would definitely take it up with Kragen. There is a lot of junk being sold by the auto stores, alot of cheap chinese made parts, and the quality is for crap, and are causing alot of engine failures in other brand motors too. Dont buy the cheapest part you can find, do some research, and buy quality. It will save you alot of money in the long run.
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
Chance for me to learn something here - I'm wondering how a defective balancer could cause threads inside the crankshaft to become messed up?
TIMMY2734
Founding Member
Did you read the instructions or manufacturers specifications? MOST stock replacement aftermarket balancers (not romac pioneer etc) only recomend that the motor be revved no higher than 4500rpm or so.... If the car was driven like most of us do, you pretty much void any type of warranty that could have existed.
88stangmangt
Active Member
ya if you stripped out the holes then it isnt the balancer did you double check the tightness of all the bolts????
TT91
Active Member
shttygtstang
New Member
- Jun 2, 2004
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TT91
Active Member
If i tell you, i'll have to kill you...
US Marine security Guard, US Embassy New Delhi, India. US Department of State, Diplomatic status....
US Marine security Guard, US Embassy New Delhi, India. US Department of State, Diplomatic status....
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