Harmonic Balancer? 66 327/350 L79

[Rich G.]

EDIT EDIT SEE BELOW.

I heard a noise I thought was the water pump failing although no leak. In the process of taking it off I ran the motor with the belt and pulley off and heard no noise. The car has no options, so the alternator is the only other rotating component.

I replaced the water pump and I hear the same noise, squeak/metallic rattle. I repeated the last test by simply removing the fan/alternator belt and starting the engine except this time the pulley is on but not rotating.

Now the sound is like a dinner bell. The sound you would hear when banking on a stationary pulley with a hammer. So it appears the balancer is wobbling and intermittently tapping on the water pump pulley. Does this indicate a failed balancer or something more serious?

EDIT EDIT EDIT
Problem was/is the damper was loose. Tightened the bolt. We shall see how long that lasts.


Thanks
Rich

ps; Now I know how to change a water pump!