my rebuilt short block will be arriving soon (302), so I was wondering if I should tackle the job on removing the old harmonic balancer and timing chain cover off the old block instead of purchasing new pieces. Do you guys think it's worth the hassle for the price? Would a new timing cover be safer than reusing the used one?

Is there any site you recommend for purchasing parts? I'm having a hard time finding ones that deliver to Canada.

 

removing the old balancer is cake, just get the special tool, as far as the balancer goes, if the rubber piece is worn out, or the balancer is just plain old get a new one.

 

That balancer is pretty important. Check it out real good, for cracks in the rubber, missing pieces, etc... I had a front main bearing go bad due to a bad balancer, it was a POS 351M anyways.

You can get a new from the parts store like the factory or you can spend more and get a fluid dampner from performance places like Summit Racing or Jeg's.

Same with the timing cover. I've seen some pretty ate up covers. If it looks like it's in good shape just clean it up real good and reuse it.

Good idea to put some info on your vehicle in your sig so folks have an idea of what you're working on.

 

definately pull your old ones and check them out the only real place a timing cover would have signs of wear will be on the inside from a worn out timing chain. Besides a harmonic balance puller is a handy tool to have in your tool box, there is a lot more uses than just the harmonic balancer for instance sometimes you can use it too pull the steering wheel.

 

as the other said check the balancer for cracked rubber e.t.c-the timing chain cover is a look and see thing had a buddy loosing oil-turned out to be a hole in the timing cover-we were chasing that leak for a week or so!--on a second note make sure you get the correct balancer -they did change weight offsets on them around 84 I think-if ya specify what year you should be okay!

 

I'm having a BIG PROBLEM with finding a replacement balancer that actually comes with the crank trigger (reluctor) that the crank sensor picks up...it's the piece that has four "star-points" 90 degrees from eachother. anywhere I've looked (Ford, Advance auto, performance dealers, ANYWHERE) I have not found a balancer that comes COMPLETE with this; and it's essential for an EFI engine...I can't simply re-use the old one because I'm stroking my 351W to a 408...and I DON'T want the rubber on the original part to come apart...does anyone know if you can somehow press the old trigger off and put it on another balancer?!?!?! or does anyone know anywhere that rebuilds harmonic balancers?