harmonic balancer

[Ric Keller]

I recently lost the harmonic balancer from my 1960 230hp/283.
this is the second time this has happened. I'm not comfortable with the press fit. does anyone have an idea of how to drill and tap the crank while still in the car? I want to BOLT it on this time.

[Joe L.]

Re: harmonic balancer

Ric-----

Unfortunately, I don't think that the crankshaft snout can be drilled and tapped with the crank installed in the engine. This operation has to be done in a precision sort of way and you can't do that with the crank installed in the engine.

There may be some sophisticated machining equipment that could do it, but you're unlikely to have access to such equipment. You might find such equipment in, for example, the aircraft industry or the nuclear powerplant industry.

[Dale Pearman]

Re: harmonic balancer *NM*

[Bob R.]

Re: harmonic balancer

I recently had my engine rebuilt and had the crank drilled and tapped at that time. The engine rebuilder recommended it. For shows you can always remove the bolt. However I don't think it can be done with the engine in place. How about putting a little thread lock on the balancer when you install it. That should give it a little more holding power.

[Dale Pearman]

Re: harmonic balancer

The balancer could be broached and lots of loc-tight used.

Dale.

[Don Shirey]

Re: harmonic balancer

Ric,
You can rent a "BUX" drill which is a 1/2 drill motor
mounted on a strong magnetic base and along with the
proper fixturing drill the crank while still in the car.
Just feed it slow and use a increasing larger size drill
until up to the proper tap drill size for the bolt dia.

Good luck,
Don 31553