SBC Harmonic Balancer - How Far?

Ok,

I took everyones suggestion to buy the new balancer for the crate motor...now putting it on...

First how far does it have to go? Can I measure from the front to the crankshaft? Next can I simply use a hammer and big socket and hammer it on? I tried the crank bolt and air wrench, so far that has had no effect...

Suggestions?

 

The balancer will stop once it touches the lower timing chain gear, thats how far it go's on.
As far as installing it, DON'T use a hammer!
You could damage the thrust bearing in the rear main.
Use a harmanic balancer installer.
They thread into the crank bolt hole, then a bearing slide's over the tool, followed by a nut. you tighten the nut pushing the bearing against the balancer which pushes the balancer in.

The tool isn't that much money and you'll use it many time's if you do engine work in the future.
Good investment, and the job will get done right.

 

The tool isn't that much money and you'll use it many time's if you do engine work in the future.
Good investment, and the job will get done right.[/QUOTE]

OK, off to NAPA...

Thanks...

 

....unless you're working on an early small block (1950s-60s) that doesn't have a hole in the crank, then just hammer it on (using a suitable driver, DON'T beat on the damper itself). They had magically stronger thrust bearings back then....

 

Yah right, but if you're building an early motor it's best to drill and tap the crank whilst out so you don't have to use the bfh.

 

If you have to resort to using a hammer to put it on be sure to use a 2x4 or 4x4 on the face of the balancer as a cushion. Don't strike the balancer directly with the hammer. You will usually feel it when it's all the way on. The hammer blows will feel REALLY solid and have a different sound. Use at least a 2 lb. hammer and be sure to strike in the middle of the balancer, not off center.


Frank

 

good choice getting the tool, they are really the only way to go any more.......be damn sure that the crank key is sitting in the keyway properly...they can tend to slip out a ways and get in a bind...trying to force one on past this is disaster.......

Fred