I was told to replace my harmonic balancer on this engine. The engine is on a stand and just back from the rebuilder. My current balancer can be pushed on by hand, with a snug fit. It can be removed without special tools. Does this need to be replaced ? How can a keyed part like this wear out ? Thanks Again !
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Re: 327 / 340 Harmonic Balancer
Peter -
If you can push it on and pull it off by hand, it WILL come off by itself and make a gory mess of everything in front of it. Since your crank doesn't have a tapped hole for a bolt to secure it (as later engines do), there are two options; have the crank drilled and tapped for a bolt, or get a new damper. There was, however, a post recently on a similar issue where someone mentioned a shop (in California, I think) that can refurbish worn damper bores to restore the interference fit, but I don't remember the name of the outfit. Do NOT use the one you have without a bolt. -
Re: 327 / 340 Harmonic Balancer
John - the 340 SHP and 360 FI engines do have a threaded center hole to secure the big balancer. I believe it is the 250/300 engine that did not have a center bolt to retain their small balancer. They were just pressed on.
Not sure what the fix is here, but I believe if the center bolt will torque up to the recommended 80 lb-ft, and the balancer doesn't wobble or have endplay, it should hold, but it's something to keep your eye on.
DukeComment
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Re: 327 / 340 Harmonic Balancer
John - Might you be referring to Damper Dudes of Redding CA (916-244-7225)? They rebuilt my 62-327/340 finned balancer 5 years ago. Can't tell you if they rebuild bores or not. Mine was slightly oversize (according to their desires, but since I have the threaded hole in the crank, they felt it would be OK. Still running fine. It did not slide on freely....For what its worth.......DickComment
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Re: 327 / 340 Harmonic Balancer
Not all cranks in 1962 were drilled. Started in mid production.
Dale.Comment
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Re: 327 / 340 Harmonic Balancer
The year of this engine wasn't mentioned in the post, but I wasn't aware the early '62 SHP/FI engine's harmonic balancer wasn't secured with a center bolt. No doubt Chevrolet did this for a good reason, and I would certainly have the crank drilled and threaded to accept a center bolt if an early '62 engine without this provision was down for a rebuild.
DukeComment
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Re: 327 / 340 Harmonic Balancer
I'm all for bolts (cap screws) as well!
Dale.Comment
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