'66 L79 harmonic balancer follow-up question

[Gary B.]

Now that I've removed the original harmonic balances from my '66 L79, I see that there's a very minor groove that's worn in the OD of the mounting hub were the OD of the hub rubs against the ID of timing cover seal. The engine has 81K miles on it and although this groove is not major, I can definitely feel it when I rub my finger nail across it. Is this destined to lead to an oil leak past the timing cover seal? If so, is there anything that can be done to fix it? Add weld material and remachine back to the proper OD? Of am I fretting about nothing?

Thanks,

Gary

[Michael L.]

Re: '66 L79 harmonic balancer follow-up question

Gary,there is a kit you can buy that will sleeve the balancer whre it contacts the timing cover seal. Is the balancer OK? Or do you need to replace it? Always better to fix or replace and not have to remove and repair again.

[Gary B.]

'66 L79 harmonic balancer follow-up question

Mike,

Although the balance looks in good shape, I plan on sending it to Damper Dude and Damper Doctor to have the rubber replaced. Any idea if Damper Dude or Damper Doctor can fix the OD of the hub when they redo the rubber?

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 L79 harmonic balancer follow-up question

Gary-----

Installing the repair sleeve is relatively easy. If the repair outfits you mentioned can't handle it, I'd be amazed. I'd have them do it as part of the balancer overhaul.

There are 2 ways to fix the problem. The first is to CORRECTLY install the balancer snout repair sleeve. This will be, essentially, permanent fix. Although the repair sleeve does slightly increase the OD of the sealing surface, the increase can be accomodated by the stock-type seal. The repair sleeves are chrome plated which provides a very hard, smooth, long-wearing surface. You won't live long enough to wear it out even if you start driving the car daily.

The other method is to install a special seal with a displaced lip. This type of seal causes the contact with the balancer sealing surface to move slightly giving you a "brand new" wear surface.

[Gene M.]

Re: '66 L79 harmonic balancer follow-up question

Gary,
there is a front seal on the market that positions the contact area about 1/32" off the original mark to give a perfect surface to seal. My local auto parts store guy suggested it. sorry I didn't same the p/n.

[John H.]

Re: '66 L79 harmonic balancer follow-up question

I've used the repair sleeve on several dampers over the years - 2-minute job to install it, never had one leak.

[Gary B.]

How to "correctly" install sleeve

Joe,

I will definitely ask Damper Dudes/doctor about the repair sleeve. Just out of curiosity, how can one incorrectly install the sleeve, as you allude to the possibility?

Gary

[Christopher R.]

Re: How to "correctly" install sleeve

I just got mine back from Damper Dude. He installed the repair sleeve without my asking. May be SOP.

[Joe L.]

Re: How to "correctly" install sleeve

Gary-----

It has to be pressed on "straight-and-true". If it's even slightly "cocked", you'll ruin it and it won't seal properly. Then, you have to start over with a new sleeve.

I always use Lock-Tite sleeve locking compound (green) between the seal and the snout. This prevents any possible leak paths between the seal and the snout.

[Gary B.]

I like the Lock-Tite idea; thanks Joe and others *NM*

[Gary B.]

Joe: Damper Dudes using stainless for the sleeve *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe: Damper Dudes using stainless for the slee

Gary-----

Stainless should be great. It's very hard material and I don't think you'll ever wear it out.