The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop urgent - Harmonic balancer separated -- need help quick

Well, the adventures have begun. We need lots of help but first the sad story:

We have maybe 10 miles on the truck since it was delivered from Montana and the the cast iron tire on the harmonic balancer separates from the mounting wheel, slides forward enough to mangle the fan which in turn takes out maybe 1/3 of the radiator core. In approximately 2 seconds we went from getting it ready for my son's prom to tow truck city.

Well the good news is that the damage is limited to radiator and fan -- and we need a new harmonic balancer of course. Where do I start? Does anybody know where I can get a HB and a fan for my 270? Can the radiator be rebuilt and where can I get the radiator hoses? Here's the tough part. I'd love to surprise my son and have it running by next weekend. Am I dreaming or is this even remotely possible?

Here's the part of the story that even I don't believe. First, the tow truck driver (the first number I see in the yellow pages) can't believe his eyes when he drives up. He has a '54 GMC that he's rodding out and he says ours is the only other 54/55 he's seen in the state in 7 years. It turn out he has the steering wheel, bumpers, bumper brackets, grill trim, hub caps, and "some inside trim" that he says is in perfect shape and that we were going to be looking for. He says it's in his garage because he didn't want to throw it away. It gets better -- Secondly, he lives just a few blocks from our new shop we've rented. Thirdly, he works in a body shop for his day job and offered to teach my son and me "everything we need to know" to fix the minor dings in the truck. And last of all, he's big in the local club and he's going to help me arrange a regular drive in at my hardware store. I don't get it. Am I living so wrong it just seems right?

all help is appreciated,
sunk in salt lake -- jerry

Well, as far as the radiator goes, as long as the tanks aren't damaged or corroded; you can have the radiator re-cored at any reputable radiator shop.

Since clearances are tight, you must be careful if you select a universal type fan; as fan to radiator core clearance is minimal on these trucks.

Harmonic balancer? Hmmmm, I'll have to let someone else step in on that question. Check the links page on the home page of this site. There are many vendors there who may be able to help you (some of them even support this site!) or guide you in the right direction..........

Hardwareguy. Put an ad in the Swapmeet on that balancer & I am sure it will be answered.

Thanks, great idea. It turns out there is a radiator shop a block from the shop and he's big into custom rods (and the other local club). I'll get it to him first thing AM. I had no idea it might be rebuildable. I just found the fan at Chevy Duty.

I'll put the 'needed' ad in the swap meet tonight. Any other ideas will be still be appreciated. thanks, jerry

Just out of curiosity, does anybody know if the harmonic balancer for the 248 and 270 are interchangeable? Might offer me some more options.

jerry

According to the GMC parts book, the balancer for the 270 is a separate part number from the 248. The 270 and the 302 use the same balancer in some of the larger truck models, 350, 400, and 450.

Hardwareguy,

These guys rebuild obsolete harmonic balancers. They helped me out on a 455 Olds a couple of years ago.

Damper Dudes
6180 Parallel Road #1
Anderson, CA 96007
(503) 365-2144

I used the Damper Dudes to rebuild my balancer also. The main reason I used them was because they had a cool name. They did nice work..

Hey, it's good to know there is someone to turn to when the need arises..........thanks for posting that info, OlBlue!

Thanks all. This is positively the greatest forum. With all this help I just may make my Friday AM deadline. jerry

Of the three parts, it sounds like two have been solved. Damper Dudes does good work, and the best place for the radiator is your local shop. However, the radiator shop might have to order a new core, which is money. Your fan will probably be the problem child. Definitely get an ad in the swap meet for one.