indexing harmonic balancer

[William F.]

New to solid lifter engines ('62 340 hp with Duntov cam); other Corvettes are hydraulic lifters. Going to set valves per Hinkley/Williams revised article-rotating engine 90* at a time. What's easiest way to place index marks on balancer, or another way to determine when you've turned engine each 90*'s?
Thanks

[William C.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

You can purchase a "degree wheel" at most speed shops (if you can still find one in your area) that you can attach to the front of your balancer or a timing tape to add to the outer ring to achieve the same purpose.

[Mike E.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

The cheap way: get a piece of string, and wrap it around the balancer, from timing mark back to timing mark, and cut it that length. Double it over, and cut it in half. Wrap it half way around and mark it there (that will be 180). Double it over and cut in half. Mark each way from the timing mark. (that will be 90 and 270).

[William F.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

Thanks to all for tips. May try "string"first.
William Ford 50517

[Joe L.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

Thanks to all for tips. May try "string"first.
William Ford 50517

William------

It can be a bit "unwieldy" using a degree wheel with the engine installed in the car.

I've used 2 different methods:

1) The degree tape available from speed shops. The problem here that to be 100% accurate the tape has to be designed for the EXACT size of the balancer. However, the tape is usually available only in EVEN balancer OD's (e.g. 6", 7", 8"). Very few balancers are EXACTLY these OD's. As long as the balancer is close, though, you won't be too far off;

2) Use masking tape. This is the way I've done it most often. Apply masking tape lightly (i.e. don't press it down firmly) around the perimeter of the balancer. Cut the tape exactly at the "overlap" point. Remove the tape. Set the tape out straight and lightly on a sheet of wax paper. Measure the exact length. Divide by 4 (or whatever number of degree points you want to have) and mark the tape accordingly. Reapply the tape to the balancer starting at the TDC mark and press it down.

[William F.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

Do you think I can turn this engine over for setting valves not overtightening, etc., using a wrench on the balancer pulley without removing spark plugs? Is a remote starter precise enough to do the job?
Thanks again

[E B.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

William, use the starter to get close to the mark, put in either 1st or reverse and bump / rock car. Best to have help to watch for precise mark alignment.

[William C.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

Pull the plugs!

[Timothy B.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

William,

That's good advice to put the car in third gear and rock the car as it's easy to move the engine crankshaft that way. Also you can use a big screwdriver at the flywheel teeth and turn the engine.

[Joe L.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

Pull the plugs!

Bill and William------


I agree. Absolutely, positively.

[William F.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

I asked and you said "pull 'em." However, as you know pulling plugs is PITA itself. Does ease of turning engine over with plugs removed outweigh work of pulling them? A friend with a hi perf 396 turned his over with a long torque wrench with plugs in. Does this risk overtorquing balancer?

[William C.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

YES! The benefits are many, the relative issue of pulling the plugs a pittance in the scope of what you are trying to learn/accomplish.

[Joe L.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

I asked and you said "pull 'em." However, as you know pulling plugs is PITA itself. Does ease of turning engine over with plugs removed outweigh work of pulling them? A friend with a hi perf 396 turned his over with a long torque wrench with plugs in. Does this risk overtorquing balancer?

William-----


Without removing the plugs you'll find that trying to get the engine rotation to remain at a precise position will be near impossible. With the plugs removed, it's easy.

[John H.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

I asked and you said "pull 'em." However, as you know pulling plugs is PITA itself. Does ease of turning engine over with plugs removed outweigh work of pulling them? A friend with a hi perf 396 turned his over with a long torque wrench with plugs in. Does this risk overtorquing balancer?

What it risks is stripping the balancer bolt, which opens a can of worms you don't even want to think about. Pull the plugs.

[Larry B.]

Re: indexing harmonic balancer

If you want to adjust youe valves correctly adjust the intake when the exhaust valve on that cylinder starts to open,adjust the exhaust when the intake on that cylinder has opened and is starting to close.This makes sure the valve being adjusted is on the base circle of the cam,this is the only way to get it right every time and you can go straight down the row.