'61 harmonic balancer

[Richard P.]

On my '61 I need to change the timing chain cover. Is the 283/230 motor supposed to have a center 7/8" bold through the harmonic balancer to the crank shaft? I can't seem to find it if it does. If it is not supposed to have one, how do I reinstall the balancer without just banging it with a hammer?

[John H.]

Re: '61 harmonic balancer

Richard -

No, your engine didn't have the crank snout drilled/tapped for a 7/16"-20 balancer bolt; the balancer was simply pressed on. The balancer is indeed installed with a hammer, only on the hub. On those balancers, I use a 5# lead hammer and a short length of 2x4. If you have someone sit in the car and hold the clutch pedal down while installing the balancer, it will protect the crank thrust bearing. Don't forget to use some Permatex #2 in the key slot in the balancer hub to avoid an oil leak.

A better solution is to drill and tap the snout for the bolt, but it's difficult to do with the engine in the car.