The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Changing out a Harmonic Balancer

I installed the harmonic balancer today and it went pretty well. I went to the not so local plumbing supply (a 45 minute drive) and got a 1-1/2” coupling, 4” nipple and a cap to match. The existing Woodriff key was beat up quite a bit but procurement of a new one proved to be more difficult than I anticipated. NAPA didn’t carry them, Advance Auto looked at me like I was from outer space. There was an older gentleman working there that formerly worked at NAPA and said tractor Supply carries them. TS did have them but they were in such a disarray and none were in their labeled place. Half of the plastic packages were empty. Unfortunately they did not have the right size. After wasting more than a hour, I settled on one that was the next size up figuring I could grind it to fit.

After the 45 minute ride home, I chucked the coupling in the lathe to face it off and turn down the OD to fit inside the rivets,
assembled the three pieces and my driver was set.

After comparing the oversized Woodriff key the the old one, I decided to clean up the old one and reuse it. It would have taken me far too long to get the new one to fit.

I spent allot of time fitting the key to the shaft and the balancer and cleaning up the shaft and crank snout. As a career machinist, I know you only get one shot to get it on the first time correctly so preparation is key. I oiled the new shaft sleeve then slid the balancer on engaging the key. The moment of truth arrived. Using my new balancer installation tool and a 4 lb. mallet I drove it on until the sound changed indicating the the balancer was seated. It didn’t take as much force as I expected. Five or six good solid hits and it was seated.

Thank you all for you input on my project. Your support insured a job done right!