Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

[Tom P.]

I just sent a finned, 327 balancer to the Damper Doctor (John) in Calif.
The balancer itself was fine, BUT, the keyway had somehow become enlarged and chewed up the key. John says he does that kind of repair all the time.
Also, instead of using the little half moon key, my machinist recommended that the crank key way be broached full length and a long, one piece key be used in the future.

My question, does anyone have personal experience with a balancer repaired/rebuild by the Damper Doctor?

[Pat M.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

I've had two rebuilt by DD - no complaints.

[Bill L.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Did mine too. No problem.


Bill

[Thomas H.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Tom,

I have two C1 balancers here that need to get rebuilt and I was going to use DD based on the good feedback I have heard about them over the last couple years. I expect this thread will have similar responses.

Tom

[James W.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Tom,

They repaired one for my 396 engine restoration. They do nice work and the engine runs great.

James

[Richard M.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Ironically I have a original '61 SHP balancer on my bench I've been meaning to send out to the DD for rebuild. I've not used them before but have heard good things in the past.

What is the DD's method to repair the damage on the balancer keyway?

Rich

[Tom P.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Rich,
I have no clue what, how or if they can repair the keyway. BUT, he said he CAN broach a new keyway and then ROTATE the outer ring to put the timing mark in the correct position.
You just have to provide engine description and your contact information. He will call to tell you what needs to be done, cost and get credit card info.
THANKS to all for all the responses!

[Timothy B.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Tom,

I would think that type of repair is fine, what I am thinking about is how that key way got damaged to that point in the first place.

You may want to ask him to check the ID of that hub to make sure it's not enlarged and could possibly be loose on the crankshaft after all that work.

[Stephen R.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Just a word of caution, there are two organizations out in Ca. that repair balancers, one is Damper Doctors and the other is Damper Dudes. I believe that they both do good work. Just make sure you know which is which.

[Tom P.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Too late now, it's already on its way.

[Richard M.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Good time for this thread Tom.....

I talked to John at Damper Doctor today about the '61 balancer I have here. I sent him these photos and he said he can fix it. It needs a sleeve for the snout and new rubber and fix a few dents. I think this one fell off at speed so it'll need a little extra work. The inside of the hub may need some work too, but I've decided to drill and tap the crank for the 7/16-20 bolt so it'll never come off, for safety.

P1090025.jpg P1090026.jpg P1090027.jpg P1090029.jpg

I'm sending it out tomorrow.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

BTW, Just for future informational purposes, poking around the tdb archives, here is another harmonic balancer rebuilder.....

http://www.winslowmfg.net/aboutus.html

Has anyone used them before?

Rich

[Gary R.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

I had my 72 damper done by Damper Doctor about 7-8 years ago. I took pictures before I shipped it and I'm glad I did because the one shipped to me was not mine and had hammer marks on the face. I called and was told they come in and go in a box to be rebuild and I might not get mine back. I sent the pictures and asked for them to please try and locate it and return it to me. They did find it and rebuild it so just make sure you get yours back. That was the only time I used them so maybe it was just my job that got caught up in the system?

Edit : I just went back to look in my records and now recall the whole deal. I spoke with a guy named John, they were in Redding Ca. The first damper returned to me was not mine, the second one was not mine, the third one was. This was back in Dec 2004 to Feb 2005.

[Richard M.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Ahhh, Good advice, I didn't even think of that.......! Thanks Gary!

I'll make contact to verify this one gets back to me after rebuild. He did say about 3-4 day turnaround on the phone yesterday but I better double check, and I'll put a note in the box too.

Rich

[Harry S.]

Re: Who has had Harmonic balancer repair done by Damper Doctor?

Even after a call and an email I usually use a wire tag with my name on it just to let them know I really want mine back.