Harmonic Balancer Leak help

[Wayne P.]

When I had my engine rebuilt 3 years ago I noticed a small oil leak coming from the harmonic balancer at the bottom lip.
I replaced the seal and re installed. It began to leak again . I then placed a seal a metal seal over the harmonic balancer shaft that had no scoring on it. It still has a small leak while the car sits .
I also placed seal compound in the key way slot .
Does the seal need time to work in or is their another common issue I am over looking .
Regards

[Edward J.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Wayne,I am not a big lover of the metal sleves unless theres a grove that you can feel with your finger nail. What I have done in the pass is take some 400 sand paper and smooth out the surface on balancer and replaced the seal( smear some non handing sealer around the metal seal before installing).

What I have seen with those repair sleves,When installing them if not careful they will distort and will leak.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Thanks the metal sleeve whent on fine with locktite red. Very smooth surface. maybe pull balencer out a bit and coat with non hardening seal ? Seal is new,

[Timothy B.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

It has been reported to put sealer around the keyway when installing as this is a leak path for oil.

[Edward J.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Thanks the metal sleeve whent on fine with locktite red. Very smooth surface. maybe pull balencer out a bit and coat with non hardening seal ? Seal is new,

Wayne, you coat only the metal outer part of seal when installing. not the rubber lip.It could be when installing the seal also there is a spring that holds the lip of the seal in place around the harmonic balancer, this spring if it came off during the install the seal will also leak.I would say just to replaced the seal again. Its a a pain to work from above and sometimes makes for installing the seal a bit work.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Ok I didn't put any sealent around the metal part of the seal when I inserted it into the cover. I will also check for the metal spring. I guess I will get another work out . I am glad I have the proper installer tools. Cheers

[Ray G.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Wayne;
The surfaces on which you are using sealer need to be almost sterile. Any lubricant or foreign material in the contact area will create a path for the oil to follow.
Silicone sealer on the outer metal surface of the seal and on the inside of the Harmonic dampener. I also take the key out of the keyway and put silicone in the crankshaft slot.
Also a Light coat of lubricant on the seal lip.
my .02

[Dick W.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Have used many Speedi Sleeves since their inception. The keys are to use the proper tools, follow the instructions, and use #2 Permatex on the outside of the seal, the inside of the sleeve paying extra attention to the keyway. Lubricate the sealing surface with a light coating of grease and you should be good to go.

[Joe L.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Leak help

Ok I didn't put any sealent around the metal part of the seal when I inserted it into the cover. I will also check for the metal spring. I guess I will get another work out . I am glad I have the proper installer tools. Cheers

Wayne-----


Usually, the outer perimeter of the steel shell of the seal is pre-coated with a sealer. Most of the time it will be seen as a reddish or greenish color.