One of the last parts to buy is a new harmonic balancer for my 390. I tried doing a search and could not find the answers I need.

1. My stock balancer is more than likely original, while it looks ok, the rubber is a bit dry rotted. Should I go ahead and replace it or is ok to use?

2. If I should replace it, what type should i buy? Seems like there are a few different types out there?

Thanks

 

There are better balancers out there but as the 390 is an internally balanced engne you can run it until it seperates or you get tired of looking at it. There are several 390 balacers that came on the OEM so be careful to get one that will accomodate your crankshaft pulleys. If you can find one, get a balancer for a 427 as they have more mass to help dampen any harmonics. Just make sure it hasent been balanced to match someone elses engine.

 

Thanks Mel!

Do you think its worth getting a fluid balancer?

 

D5TZ6316D .. Harmonic Balancer / D5TZ6316D replaced D2TZ6316A & C8AZ6316B / Obsolete

Fits: 1968/76 360/390 / EDIT: 1968/70 428 & 428 CJ (not S/CJ) / 1958/67 is not the same.

A member contacted me yesterday via a Visitors Message (which y'all can read by clicking on my user name).

He said he bought an autoparts store replacement that was made in China that will not fit.

So, I searched for a genuine Ford balancer and found:

D5TZ6316D =

BOB ALLEN FORD in Overland Park KS has 7 = 800-676-0675.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has 14 = 800-543-3959.
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D2TZ6316A =

GREEN SALES CO. has 1.

KLIMESH MOTOR SALES in Calmar IA has 1 = 563-562-3241.

HAVEN FORD SALES in Haven KS has 1 = 800-748-7803.

Haven will prolly be cheaper.

No other Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any of these three balancers.
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A harmonic balancer is made up of three parts, inner damper, rubber cushion and outer pulley.

At the factory, the rubber cushion is placed between the damper and pulley, then these three parts are pressed together forming a one piece assembly.

What happens to it: The rubber cushion age cracks, then the outer pulley begins to walk away from the inner damper.

You do not want these parts to separate! If not caught in time, the balancer pulley, bolt on accessory pulley(s), fan belts and etc could end up in your radiator core!

I've seen this happen many a time, it is not pleasant...to say the least!

 

Here ya go, brand new, American made in Newark, CA, very nice quality, fits perfect, and the price is reasonable- 7 different versions, SFI 18.1 certified so they're legal for NHRA as grenade proof- I just put one on a 450ci stroker 428CJ. I checked the timing marks against TDC with a piston stop, and it was off 1 degree- not too shabby, and a timing tape for a SBC is just the right size
BTW, fluid dampeners are not good for FE's or 385's with the long crank snout, tends to break the snout
You definitely don't want to run one with bad rubber, if the outer ring separates, the least it will do is tear up the radiator & belts/pulleys, and if it escapes the car and hits somebody-

7 FE Ford Internal Balance Harmonic Damper : BHJ Dynamics, Harmonic Dampers and Specialty Crankshaft Vibration Dampers

 

MeanGene427

How much was the damper?