C-1 Harmonic Balancer

[Mike B.]

Gentlemen,

I've been swap meet hunting for a replacement balancer for a 1961. I've seen those with and without holes drilled around the perimeter but otherwise look dimensionally identical. Is one more correct?

Also, my existing balancer which is of the correct generation (the no hole variety) will slip on and off the crank snout without difficulty. It's as if something has worn but there should be no wear at those points. I am sure that the balancer bottoms against the timing gear. In the archives I read that the Woodruff key is responsible for helping with the tight fit. Can that be the fix? I'll replace it if necessary but it seems like a lot of faith to put in that little key.

Thanks,
Mike

[John H.]

Re: C-1 Harmonic Balancer

Mike -

The balancer was originally an interference press fit on the crank snout. The key only provides indexing to the crank; if the balancer (or the crank snout) has worn such that the press fit has been lost, I'd drill and tap the crank (7/16"-20) for a balancer bolt before even starting it.

[Mike B.]

Re: C-1 Harmonic Balancer

John,

I know that it was originally an interference fit. There is evidence that some ham-handed mechanic pounded on the face of the balancer that I have so I know that it had been off and on before. I had the crank drilled and tapped as extra insurance regardless of the balancer used. I am still leary of the balancer that I intended to use. This is an exaggeration, but I can almost wiggle it on the snout when mounted. I am puzzled as there is no visible smooth wear on either the snout or balancer bore. I am confident that the good General never changed the bore diameter so I will look for another suitable replacement.

Which leads me back to my first question. Do you know if the drilled or solid perimeter balancer is more correct?

Thanks,
Mike

[Roy B.]

Re: C-1 Harmonic Balancer

I remember as a mechanic in the 60's cars coming in with the grant broken off with the balancer sitting near by. It was from people turning the AC to offten while doing 70 MPH. The shock just broke the crank .

[Loren L.]

If it's a solid lifter engine, it is undrilled. *NM*

[Christopher R.]

Re: C-1 Harmonic Balancer

Replace it. Believe these balancers are very common. Easy to find and cheap.