Harmonic balancer replacment
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 183
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Harmonic balancer replacment
My truck (1982 F350 c/c 351W) still has the original engine and it works great. I drive it to work every day. Should I try to replace the harmonic balancer since it’s so old? Or just leave sleeping dogs lie? It appears to be intact, but I can see that the rubber is checked.
Last edited by Prionus; Aug 12, 2022 at 02:52 PM. Reason: Fix
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 54
From: Houston
A quick and dirty way to check if the ring has slipped is to pull the spark plug, stick some sort of rod down the whole, and rotate the engine until the rod sticks out the farthest. it isn't as accurate as using a micrometer or piston stop, but you should be within a couple of degrees. Check the Mark's, and if they are close, I would call it good. Keep in mind, if the engine has the original time chain and sprockets, they have at least some wear, and after a couple hundred thousand miles, optimal timing will be a degree or three more advanced than specs. I have a 300-6 that is happy about a degree advanced of specs and a 289 that is happy +2.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,180
Likes: 1,174
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,180
Likes: 1,174
Me three. I'd leave well enough alone.
I'd suggest confirming the timing marks are still accurate. Then paint a stripe on the face of the damper across the rubber portion. If you ever suspect the outer sleeve has shifted, simply check the painted witness mark.
I'd suggest confirming the timing marks are still accurate. Then paint a stripe on the face of the damper across the rubber portion. If you ever suspect the outer sleeve has shifted, simply check the painted witness mark.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
I used to do that and what it got me is on my '82 302 the original balancer from '82 which the weight ring never spun on and idled smooth as can be actually broke the snout around the Key Way and spun on the crank snout trashing the crank. I asked the old engine builder I know and he told me that was a very common failure on the old Ford V8s with the balancers breaking apart and spinning on the crank.
I wouldnt trust a old balancer anymore after having that happen to myself thats for sure at least not for a OE casting. Aftermarket might be better, especially if you go with a SFI approved aftermarket one like I did for my new 302.
I wouldnt trust a old balancer anymore after having that happen to myself thats for sure at least not for a OE casting. Aftermarket might be better, especially if you go with a SFI approved aftermarket one like I did for my new 302.
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A quick and dirty way to check if the ring has slipped is to pull the spark plug, stick some sort of rod down the whole, and rotate the engine until the rod sticks out the farthest. it isn't as accurate as using a micrometer or piston stop, but you should be within a couple of degrees. Check the Mark's, and if they are close, I would call it good. Keep in mind, if the engine has the original time chain and sprockets, they have at least some wear, and after a couple hundred thousand miles, optimal timing will be a degree or three more advanced than specs. I have a 300-6 that is happy about a degree advanced of specs and a 289 that is happy +2.
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