The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Harmonic balancer

How does this type fasten to the crank?;[img]https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rQnAzGzCkAn1uKQ8[/img]

Hy Marko2727, That balancer was designed to have an interference or press fit onto the crankshaft, hope that helps.

Thanks for info. How do I press fit it? The motor is in the truck so is the radiator.

If it came off on its own, it's either worn out on the inside diameter or it's cracked. Inspect it closely for wear, and also measure the diameter of the crankshaft snout. Either way, you're probably going to need to pull the radiator. You can either drive it back on with a big hammer, or drill and tap the crankshaft for an installer tool. The factory used a special fixture to drive the balancers on, so people who predict all sorts of dreadful consequences for the main bearing thrust flange are talking through an "alternative orfice".

Jerry

Hammering the balancer on is how many many balancers have been installed over the years. I have done it myself. Is it wrong, no, not really. Is it the best way, no not really. Hammering them on does have the potential of messing with the crank thrust bearing. That is not to say that hammering them on always damages the thrust bearing, or commonly damages the bearing, only that there is the potential. So if that is all that is available, that is what you will do to get it reinstalled.

The better way if you can swing it is to drill the snout of the crank for a bolt. A couple of people have come up with tools to do that job with the crank out of the motor or in the motor if you have the room or can take enough stuff apart to make some room. Here are two examples:

https://www.12bolt.com/store/p164/C...ixture_235_261_283_327_194_230_250_.html

https://mrhotrod6.com/products/235-...-tap-fixture-tool-kit?variant=1142530609

Then you can install the balancer with a harmonic balancer tool like so:

https://www.jegs.com/p/Moroso/Moros...lation-and-Removal-Tools/751803/10002/-1

Also allows the install of a bolt to affirmatively hold the balancer to the crank snout. A little extra prevention on these old motors.

If you are stuck using the traditional hammer method, use a block of wood and a large hammer, checking your progress with the water pump pully to help determine alignment and seating against the crank gear so you can limit the number of hammer wacks to just what is needed.

Thank youi

I've been renting/selling a crankshaft drill and tap tool and a balancer installer to fellow stovebolters for about 10 years or more. It's by far the best way to do it. That being said, a simple hardwood wedge driven between the pressure plate and the back of the bellhousing through the inspection cover opening takes ALL the strain off the thrust bearing. Most people with more than two brains cells to rub together figured that out a long time before I was born.
Jerry

Hello, this is my first post on here, I apologize in advance for any formality errors. You guys sound like you have the experience to answer an issue I am having.
I have a 1950 Chevy, with an expired original 216. I bought a 55, 235, installed it, installed a short shaft water pump. Now I am having a problem finding a fan that will clear the harmonic balancer and the radiator.
Any suggestions on solutions would be appreciated. mpofun2018

Buy the adapter plate that allows you to install the 216 water pump onto the later model 235 engine. It solves the fan position problem and allows you to use the water pump and fan from the 216.
Jerry