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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | I'm in need of a new or reman balancer for my '55 235 with the 1/2" belt, as mine self destructed when the rivet's let go on the pulley. I've had it checked out, the pulley is toast, so repairing/reriveting it is not an option. Anyone know of a good source that isn't grossly overpriced?
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Bill,
I do not know first-hand about new/remanufactured 235/261 harmonic balancers.
I'd try to buy a good used one (Swap Meet) with correct diameter and groove.
DamperDudes sells something with two grooves for $228
PART # CH235-4
Is this grossy overpriced?
I'd check out the pulley diameter and groove/belt width. | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | For the 2 groove, that's not bad, as it seems to be the going rate. But the single groove that they have listed is almost $300 without a core (they're actually one of the lower priced ones I've found), which unfortunately, mine isn't usable for a core. I will admit, I'm also trying to keep the costs down as much as possible, as I've only been at my new job for just over 6 weeks after being unemployed for a year and half. I'm basically just trying to see if there's other sources I haven't found yet.
I'll post in the Swap Meet Parts Wanted once I get the dimensions.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 |
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,915 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,915 | Ways to tell if a used damper is past its "sell by" date:
The damper’s rubber ring will naturally decay with age, mileage, exposure to hot chemicals, vibration, ozone, and ultra-violet light, and become unsuitable for even a stock engine.
Visible signs of damage and potential failure include:
the rubber is partially missing
the rubber is discolored gray or “chalky”
the rubber has surface cracking
the rubber has been partially extruded
the damper rim is dented or bent
If you can rotate the outer rim on its hub more than a few degrees with a strap wrench &c., it’s gone.
If the ID is galled, or the opening is bell-mouthed it may be stretched and won't be a tight fit on your crank nose.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2016 Posts: 916 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2016 Posts: 916 | I thought there were a few of you who were using 292 balancers that had been shortened and had the inner pulley turned off..? I am considering doing this, as my balancer is toast.
~ Dave
1950 Chevrolet 3600 3/4-ton with 261 engine & T5 Transmission
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | I used a new 292 balancer on a 302, seems like I had to slightly shorten it, too, ID was OK. Often wondered how engine specific balancers are! There are modern balancers with modern innards made for every engine.
Ed
Last edited by EdPruss; 11/05/2016 6:37 AM.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,644 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,644 | I have two sent you a PM you can have one.
Pete | | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 910 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 910 | For the 2 groove, that's not bad, as it seems to be the going rate. But the single groove that they have listed is almost $300 without a core (they're actually one of the lower priced ones I've found), which unfortunately, mine isn't usable for a core. I will admit, I'm also trying to keep the costs down as much as possible, as I've only been at my new job for just over 6 weeks after being unemployed for a year and half. I'm basically just trying to see if there's other sources I haven't found yet.
I'll post in the Swap Meet Parts Wanted once I get the dimensions. I feel your employment pain. Jeffrey | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | I make 2-groove stovebolt balancers with all new parts for approximately $100.00 parts cost plus some machining time.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 49 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 49 | I got one from Damper Dudes [1-8oo-413-2673] this summer. Besure its no larger than 6" on the pully, the front will be larger. Sent my old one back after I got the remanufactured one, $100 back. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 28 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 28 | I used a 2 groove 292 balancer from Buffalo Enterprises in Arlington WA.
1954 GMC 9314 - 261 t5
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