Small Block Harmonic Balancer

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

I have just installed a new double roller timing gear set in my 66 SBC. When I installed the harmonic balancer (the drive on type), it appears not to go back far enough. It is hitting the crankshaft timing gear. Maybe it is just because it is not covered with rust and dirt anymore that it looks different? Can anyone tell me the distance between the inside of the harmonic balancer and the timing gear cover?
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

Ronnie-----

I can't tell you the dimension that you ask for. However, I don't know if it's really relevent here.

The thickness of the crankshaft sprocket on the roller timing gear set should be the same as the stock, early-link type sprocket. If the sprocket was pressed fully on the crankshaft AND if the balancer was pressed fully onto the crankshaft, bottoming against the sprocket as it should, all should be well.

If the above is not the case OR if the crankshaft sprocket was improperly machined (very unlikely if you're using a high quality, US made timing set), you could have a problem. That problem, if present, will be further manifested by misalignment of the pullies. If you install the pullies and the grooves line up as they should, all is well.

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

Joe,
Cloyes set from a Corvette dealer. I did not check crankshaft gear thickness, and I already have timing cover on " +*#@%$ " !
The tab on the cover with the timing marks overlaps the balancer about 1/8".
May be OK, but just looks odd - I'm a novice anyway and need all the assistance I can get.
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

Ronnie------

I hope that the Cloyes timing set you have is a 9-3100. Cloyes has several other "mass-marketted" type sets on the market now. I don't know what the "origin" or quality of those are. The 9-3100 is THE one to use for a Chevrolet small block.

[Jack Layton #896]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

I just did my 1965 327/300 and your 1/8" overlap is what I had. I made a measurement before taking it apart and checked after it went back together. You're good to go.

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

This is a c-3023, although it says Made in USA, obviously a cheaper set. This is a 300/327 and this is not an engine rebuild, I had removed the cover to paint and cleanup and the chain had some slack so I decided to replace it. Thanks to you, I'll know better next time.
I still need to know if the balancer is back far emough though!
Thanks again

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

Thanks Jack,
I sure feel a lot better. To celebrate, I may just sneak a piece of my wife's Valentine's Day candy before she gets it!
Thanks Guys!

[Pete M.]

Re: Small Block Harmonic Balancer

Ronnie,
I just changed mine recently and the most obvious way to tell if its back far enough is if the pulleys and belts all line up.You'll definitely be able to eyeball it if the belts are crooked.