59 Harmonic balancer
I am hoping someone can help us with an issue regarding the crate engine we are putting in a 59. The engine we removed, 1960's vintage, had a pressed on harmonic balancer. The GM 350 crate engine we are building to install has a bolt on balancer. Our concern is that the balancer we have purchased does not go far enough onto the crank so that the face of the balancer is flush with the crankshaft end. When we get it on to where it is almost touching the timing chain cover the crankshaft end is at least 1/2" below the face of the balancer. Can anyone tell us if this is normal or do we have the wrong balancer? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Did you install the spacer on the crank it is about 1/4 inch thick and makes up for the front motor mount bracket behind the water pump. that may help if I understand you question correctly. -
Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
We did not. We didn't see a spacer but will check the old engine to see if there is one on there that we failed to remove. Based on what you are saying it appears we likely will run into some interference issues when we mount the front motor mount bracket and water pump tonight. Thanks for your help.Comment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Thanks Philip, We never checked so hopefully it is still on the old engine. If not, do you by chance know of a source for it? Thanks again.Comment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Art, Most of the parts suppliers have them ie Corvette Central. You should not have any problem with clearances just remember you need 2 sets of water pump mounting gaskets. Also if you are not using a 60 or earlier waterpump the bracket may need to be cut out for the top outlet on the waterpump, the same style as a 61 or 62. Hope this helps.
PhilComment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Art -
You need that 1/8"-thick spacer between the crank sprocket and the balancer (which compensates for the thickness of the engine mount bracket) or your pulleys won't align.Comment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Art-------
The important thing is that the balancer snout seats against the spacer which in turn seats against the crankshaft sprocket. Whether the crankshaft snout bottoms in the balancer orifice is not important.
All this being said, I would be very reluctant to use an original style balancer on a crate engine. How do you know that the balancer will work properly with the internal configuration and operating characteristics of the crate engine? I would use only the balancer that was supplied with the crate engine (with the addition of the spacer) or another balancer that I KNEW was appropriate and compatible with the new engine.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Hi John,
Thanks for responding. We got the engine mount, new water pump and pulley mounted last night and found the pulleys were about .150 out of alignment. Couldn't find the spacer locally so I will order it this morning. Thanks again.Comment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Thanks Joe. Last night we have received the spacer and the bolt/washer kit from Corvette Central and got a new balancer that is compatable with the crate engine. Hopefully tonight everything will go together wihout a problem. Thanks again to everyone for their help.Comment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
Art------
A couple of tips:
1) Make absolutely sure that there are no burrs, dings, or mashed-in areas on the end of the crankshaft before installing the balancer (i.e. no damage which effectively increases, no matter how slightly, the OD of the crankshaft snout at the end). If such a condition exists installing the balancer will be a BEAR;
2) Use a harmonic balancer installer to install the balancer. DO NOT use impactive force (e.g. a hammer).In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 59 Harmonic balancer
In answer to your original question, with the balancer fully seated against the spacer and timing gear, the end of the crank will be recessed below the face of the balancer.Comment
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