The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop balancer installation?

What is the common method of installing the balancer on a 235 chevy six? The crank isn't threaded so there must be a trick. Drill the end or the crank and tap? stand the motor up in shop press and push it on? Help set me straight on this so I don't screw somthing up. Thanks, Chuck

Hy CayoRV, the original method was to hammer it on, however there was a tool that installed over the balancer to stabilize (hold) all the elements of the balancer together, so that the bond between the elements was not broken. I drill and tap the ends of all my crankshafts on my engine rebuilds to fascilitate balancer installation. I think there is someone on this board that loans out the tools to do this job in place, is it Hotrod Lincoln?

Heat the balancer hub with a Propane torch to expand it, and use a hardwood block and a BFH to tap it on. Don't get it hot enough to damage the front oil seal, but too hot to touch with your bare hands works pretty well. Work quickly, or the hub will lock down partway on and require some heavy hammering to seat it all the way.

I have a drill/tap jig available for loan to fellow stovebolters with a small security deposit, and a jackscrew type installer once the crankshaft snout is threaded. The older type balancer with the hand-crank lugs requires some machining to make a shoulder for a washer to pull against if you decide to bolt the 216 balancer on.
Jerry

IDK if this is hot enough to affect the seal, but I've used boiling water to heat parts for easier fit. Don't try to pick this up out of the pot with bare hands, or even cloth gloves!