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When good harmonic balancers go bad.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Icepick
  • Start date Start date May 25, 2004

Icepick

Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
378
0
0
Ft Lauderdale
May 25, 2004
#1
  • May 25, 2004
  • #1
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

Banned
Jan 10, 2004
1,803
1
0
raleigh, nc
May 25, 2004
#2
  • May 25, 2004
  • #2
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
 
J

jerry beach

Founding Member
May 20, 2002
2,671
0
46
Ocala,FL
May 25, 2004
#3
  • May 25, 2004
  • #3
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

Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
378
0
0
Ft Lauderdale
May 25, 2004
#4
  • May 25, 2004
  • #4
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.
 
A

ALL4SQ

New Member
Apr 5, 2004
2
0
0
Northwest
May 25, 2004
#5
  • May 25, 2004
  • #5
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

New Member
Dec 15, 2003
158
0
0
Los Angeles, CA
May 25, 2004
#6
  • May 25, 2004
  • #6
Go with a Romac
 
N

Notched

New Member
Apr 1, 2004
113
0
0
May 25, 2004
#7
  • May 25, 2004
  • #7
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

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
May 25, 2004
#8
  • May 25, 2004
  • #8
Notched said:
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?
Click to expand...


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

Mustang Master
Apr 10, 2002
9,039
6
79
Charlotte, NC
May 25, 2004
#9
  • May 25, 2004
  • #9
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

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 25, 2004
#10
  • May 25, 2004
  • #10
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

Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
378
0
0
Ft Lauderdale
May 25, 2004
#11
  • May 25, 2004
  • #11
Michael Yount said:
Pay attention to your temperature gauge and battery charging when you get it running. .
Click to expand...

I certainly will be.

HISSIN50 said:
you got guts - you tore stuff out in anticipation of the delivery company delivering on time .
Click to expand...

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

Michael Yount

Mustang Master
Apr 10, 2002
9,039
6
79
Charlotte, NC
May 25, 2004
#12
  • May 25, 2004
  • #12
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

Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
378
0
0
Ft Lauderdale
May 25, 2004
#13
  • May 25, 2004
  • #13
lol
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 26, 2004
#14
  • May 26, 2004
  • #14
Michael Yount said:
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!
Click to expand...
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

Founding Member
Oct 10, 2002
1,925
0
0
City of Angels
May 26, 2004
#15
  • May 26, 2004
  • #15
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

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 26, 2004
#16
  • May 26, 2004
  • #16
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

Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
378
0
0
Ft Lauderdale
May 26, 2004
#17
  • May 26, 2004
  • #17
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

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 26, 2004
#18
  • May 26, 2004
  • #18
great news! glad to hear you got it whipped.
 
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