Harmonic Balancer

[Robertwav1]

Just did one of these on a 5.0 mustang. Is the Corvette designed the same way? Why are they not solid? What a PITA to diagnose. We were told it was a jumped chain....well, that wasn't it. Boy ... did it run like crap ... even when I had the balancer in my hand it looked perfect. Please tell me that GM doesn't have this problem!

 

[WhalePirot]

OK. I won't tell you that mine was a two piece that had 'rotated'.
Sorry.

 

[Ken]

I believe all of the manufacturers utilize a two-piece harmonic balancer (torsion damper) when designing the engine, the main reason being cost. An SFI-approved solid damper would only be required as a safety precaution when you're spinning the engine at high rpms, but be prepared to spend more money for one of those.

The two-piece design is normally good for 35-50,000 miles or so before they require replacement, but they will all break down in time.

 

[Robertwav1]

I can certainly understand cost tp be a factor. It just seems to me it would be cheaper to machine a part without the extra bore and rubber insulator that have to be joined together. I know chevy makes a solid balancer and charges more for it. Maybe they plan on selling the ones that go bad for $80.00 and it's worth the extra work....I don't know. Just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. :confused

 

[larry bud]

OK. I won't tell you that mine was a two piece that had 'rotated'.
Sorry.

I once had the outer portion not only rotate, but nearly work it's way off the inner hub. I just happened to be browsing under the hood one day when something didn't quite look right down there!

 

[WhalePirot]

Dunno about you, Robert, but it was a huge step for me, who insists his machinery is about perfect, to come to know that my Vette was man-made, and as such, has limits and does break, at times. It was a hurdle, but I made it over...

mike