Harmonic Balancer

[DDLS3]

While doing an oil change the other day I noticed that the rubber is deteriorating in the harmonic balancer on my 81. Two questions come to mind: 1. can the balancer be removed/reinstalled without removing the radiator? 2. what balancer have you used to replace the stock one? My engine has basically stock internals. Anyone got any tips/tricks or experience to share?

 

[Dave L.]

Dale - You can remove the balancer without removing the radiator. When I did this job 2 years ago I yanked the rad out anyway to have it cleaned and painted. Take the fan blade and fan clutch off and pull the shroud out and you'll have enough room. Come to think of it,maybe you won't have to pull the shroud even though the shop manual says you must. It looks to me like you might have enough room without messing with the shroud. If I remember correctly that was a bit of a pain getting that back in there with the proper seals in place. I used GM replacement #6272221 dampner (I think its under a new part number now). My balancer was seperated so bad when I bought the car it rubbed right through the timing cover. I put a new chain and gears on while I had it all apart.

Dave

 

[rpounds]

The balancer can indeed be removed without removing the radiator. I use a Proto brand, three armed puller to remove mine. It's a PITA considering that you're leaning over the fender to get at everything, but it comes off with plenty of room to spare.

Ron

 

[Ala75Vette]

Just had this done on my car, and they didn't have to remove the radiator, just the water pump and fan assembly. I had a similar problem to that of BURGLAR.... the balancer had separated so bad it rubbed a hole in the timing chain cover, causing a nasty oil leak (and as you'd imagine, a lot of vibration from the crank shaft). Of course had the timing chain, gears, and cover replaced at the same time.

 

[Jack]

While doing an oil change the other day I noticed that the rubber is deteriorating in the harmonic balancer on my 81. Two questions come to mind: 1. can the balancer be removed/reinstalled without removing the radiator? 2. what balancer have you used to replace the stock one? My engine has basically stock internals. Anyone got any tips/tricks or experience to share?

Dunno for sure on 81, but I think the rad can stay ... the shroud may interfere.

Pioneer makes a very good quality replacement damper ... I've got a replacement type on my 388 ... they also make hipo version ... either available through chain parts houses. I'd also check w/ GM dealer ... sometimes GM pricing is as good as any on some parts. IMHO, the ultimate in USA-made elastomeric dampers (as is OE) come from BHJ Dynamics www.bhjinc.com I have some of their tooling ... first class stuff.

A three arm gear puller isn’t recommended for pulling damper ... use the kind that has three bolts that screw into damper’s hub/pulley holes ... that loaner often available at local parts houses. It’s also recommended to use a damper install tool ... usually not available as a loaner. I have two ... one is for sale ... email if interested.
JACK:gap