When good harmonic balancers go bad.

[Icepick]

I started noticing a RPM vibration and mentioned it to a couple of friends, they both quickly recommended checking the harmonic balancer since the rubber gasket is known to give out on older cars. Sho nuff, that's what it was, i decided since i was replacing it i might as well put on underdrive pulleys at the same time, and since i was doing pulleys i may as well replace my power steering pump. :thumb: I'm about halfway though now (already replaced the power steering pump, just waiting on the balancer and pulleys to show up via ups later today.

 

[ECU5.0]

yep...mine went bad not too long ago. shelled out 90 bucks for a new one....same one my buddy put on his car and his went bad in 800 miles....hopefully mine wont but if it does im going for an expensive one

 

[jerry beach]

Are those the factory hose clamps on your upper rad hose? They look new and so does the hose. I really dont like those, I replace them with the screw type ones you can re-use. Looks good though, what type of balance are you getting?

 

[Icepick]

I went with the balancer from 50resto.com it was recommended as being pretty decent by a few people so i chose it. Yes the hose is new, the clamps are the ones that were on there before.

 

[ALL4SQ]

Just replaced mine last Month. Went with the OEM replacement one from Summit. Its seems to work fine so far.

For a Change I read the instructions. It said to boil the new Balancer in Water for 5 minutes. That worked very well.

My stock Balancer had a slight wobble. The rubber was cracked.
Nothing like the picture you posted. Thats pretty bad.

I also picked up a Balancer Puller/installer tool from summit. Worked out very nice.

Thanks
Mike
1991 LX 5.0
Needs work.....

 

[bln92cpe]

Go with a Romac

 

[Notched]

i think im in need of a new harmonic balancer to put on the engine im rebuilding.... cept the only ones ive seem run about $450... anyone know good brands that cost under $150?

 

[Rick 91GT]

i think im in need of a new harmonic balancer to put on the engine im rebuilding.... cept the only ones ive seem run about $450... anyone know good brands that cost under $150?

I like the Romacs but they run mid $200's, however I just installed a Pioneer on a customers car that seems to be nice, SFI approved around $175. Contact Brian @ www.ADPerformance.com he can help you out...

 

[Michael Yount]

Pay attention to your temperature gauge and battery charging when you get it running. With what appears to be (picture) the stock alternator and A/C in Ft. Lauderdale, at low speed your motor may not thank you for installing the underdrives. Remember, they usually slow down the water pump, fan and alternator.

 

[HISSIN50]

you got guts - you tore stuff out in anticipation of the delivery company delivering on time. good luck and enjoy.

oh yeah, Jerry glad to see ya back in here!

 

[Icepick]

Pay attention to your temperature gauge and battery charging when you get it running. .

I certainly will be.

you got guts - you tore stuff out in anticipation of the delivery company delivering on time .

It's only my play car, i have my daily driver to get me around

 

[Michael Yount]

I don't know, hissin', from the looks of that balancer, I think it pretty much had to come apart (no pun) whether parts were available or not!

 

[Icepick]

lol

 

[HISSIN50]

I don't know, hissin', from the looks of that balancer, I think it pretty much had to come apart (no pun) whether parts were available or not!

oh-ho yeeessss sirrrrrr, you are correct... HA-HA-HA.... [this was supposed to sound like a former tonight-show sidekick reply].

i had gotten home and was more scatterbrained than normal. my brain was on the part about waiting for parts - they never seem to come on time for me. but a bad balancer is something no one should drive around with.

 

[Legendary]

Isn't there a seal or gasket that needs to go on with the balancer? Does that come with the new one? I have a buddy that's going to be doing this pretty soon. Well, when he gets the broken bolt out the rod.

 

[HISSIN50]

i dont know that there is any gasket that must be replaced with the damper (or is included). it is a good idea to do the front crank seal in the TC, but that can turn into a mess if the cover is not being removed (big seal on a pot metal cover).

they do make a sleeve to go over the snout of the balancer (if a hardened seal has worn a groove into a snout)....but should not be necessary with a new balancer.

that is all that comes to mind.

 

[Icepick]

new harmonic balancer, underdrive crank pulley and oversized water pump pulley are on, left the alternator alone. Replaced power steering pump (new one is already making some noise lol) and it has a 4 cylinder pump pulley which is a little oversized as well. She revs very nicely now and has no vibration.

 

[HISSIN50]

great news! glad to hear you got it whipped.