The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1961 235 Harmonic balancer

I noticed quite a bit of wobble on my balancer while running my engine. I hammered it back on with a rubber dead blow mallet after changing timing cover seals, etc.

it was already pretty beat up looking before hand around the hole for the crank but i hadn't noticed this much wobble..

I was considering just buying a new one since it would be so easy to install at this point- are there different size balancers for this engine? I found this one on Summit for pretty cheap - but some I see are hundreds of dollars, what am I missing here??

Dorman Harmonic Balancers 594-014

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-594-014/overview/

I don't think you can seat a balancer with a rubber hammer.

The list of applications for that Dorman balancer does not seem to include a 235.

well I meant plastic sorry, it was a plastic 12lb dead blow hammer. I tried a sledge with a wooden block as well after it was in the truck and I noticed the wobble, I'm certain its seated properly - belts line up etc...

Are these a special kind of balancer that isn't made aftermarket?

can they be found in the $50-$75 range? All i can seem to bring up is harmonic balancer sleeves on any of the Auto parts websites

Rebuilt for $225 + your core/old-one

Keep a watch on eBay
Do not believe the years indicated in a post.
Check the diameter and groove width.

Place a Want Ad in the Swap Meet.
Indicate the diameter of the pulley and the width of the pulley.

Here is a dual pulley balancer for over $400

why are these units so expensive vs the 230 balancer i listed above for $55? just supply and demand or is there something different about them?

I have an old balancer off a 261, would that work? (if its any good that is)

I think the 261 balancer will work. I can relate though. I was looking for a dual pulley balancer awhile back and the cheapest I could find was about $450. Even if you cobble something together and have it machined, the cost is up there.

ok thanks everyone, i'll pull the balancer again and try my luck with the 261 balancer and see what happens!

It was good to hear the engine running in the truck again! even though i found more problems!

How much wobble would be acceptable? I would say its 1/4 inch at idle and smooths out as engine speed increases to an almost unnoticeable amount.

I'd worry about having that much wobble.

The inner part that attaches to the crankshaft is bonded to the outer part with the pulley. With some kind of rubber(elastomer?) the density of that rubber stuff matters. It does the "Damping" work. When that bond fails...there can be hell to pay. Wobbles equal a fail. Common reason for the bond to fail is the use of the wrong puller when removing and striking the outer part when installing. The 2 parts are big chunks of Iron. Not likely to be damaged by much. The bond however can be broken. I use the 2 threaded holes to pull and an old socket in the center with a block of wood(a chunk of 2x4 works) and a BFH(large hammer) to reinstall. If it is a slip fit on the crankshaft, then drill and tap for a retaining bolt. Can the damper from a 216 be used? Pulley width might be the issue?

I found a harmonic balancer for my 1958 235 from Langdon's Stovebolt 6. Tom Langdon, 586-739-9601.

Don't apply any force to the outer ring.
If it wobbles, or you can move the outer ring with your hand don't use it again. Do not “just to run it for a while like this”. It may not last a while.
A failed bonding rubber also sends the outer ring through your radiator, hood, fender etc.