Just wanted to mention that there is another option. Why not drill and tap the crank and use a small block Chevy balancer bolt to press the balancer on? I made this simple modification on my 235 and it certainly makes installation a whole lot simpler and also gives me a bolthead to grip so I can turn my engine over by hand with a socket and ratchet handle.
The drilling process on the crank is amazingly easy....the snout on my engine has a cone which kept the drill bit centered...the threads on the SBC balancer bolt are 1/2X20 and the correct finsh drill size is 29/64 bit. I used a good sharp 1/4" bit to drill in 5/8" deep pilot hole with a battery powered drill motor, then finished off with the 29/64. The crank tapped easily and now I just thread in a 1/2x20 stud, use a couple large flat washers with a dab of grease and use a nut to draw and seat the balancer. If I remember correctly, I had to cut off the SBC bolt to the proper length and used a large flat washer to finish off the install.
Making this little modification keeps my balancer out of the oven, lets me seat the balancer precisely without using a BFH and beating on the balancer.
Also might add, that the proper method of installing a front seal is to have the timing cover loose when you draw down the balancer. This lets the lubed seal surface center itself on the balancer seal surface. I'd highly recommend using a Felpro "speedy" sleeve if your balancer seal surface is showing any wear. This sleeve slides over the seal surface on the balancer without any machining and is secured with an epoxy adhesive that is supplied in the sleeve kit. I've found that Classic Parts of America sells the sleeve kit #89-111 for appreciably less money than most local vendors. By drawing on the balancer with the bolt, having the timing cover loose and using the s/s sleeve, you'll eliminate any potential for an annoying leak/weep up front, and you'll have a bolthead to grip to make those fine tuning static timing adjustments. Might just as well do it right the first time!!!
Dave
