Harmonic Balancer (part 2)

[TJR]

Well, I got everything pulled apart and determined that the new crank gear is fatter than the old one. I installed the balancer without the timing cover and it touched the gear. Is the Balancer supposed to butt up to it? If it is, that explains why the crank pulley was sticking out farther than the rest of the accessories. I left a message at the place I ordered the timing chain from. Hopefully, they'll call me back so I can ask them few questions about it.

Anyways, I have a couple questions for you guys:

Should I get a new timing chain or a new balancer?

Are the Ford racing Timing chain sets the same width as the stock stuff?

Any replies would be appreciated.

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1989 lx notch
89,000 miles
5-speed, bolt-ons,3.73, TFS TWs, TFS Track Heat, TFS Stage 1 cam

[PKRWUD]

That's why I suggested contacting the manufacturer of the timing set and see what they suggested. I personally have never had a problem like yours. I do know that spacer kits are available for moving the balancer out, but yours needs to go in. Before you speak with anyone, measure the balancer depth, and have that number handy when you talk to them.

Take care
~Chris

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Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: JimPorterRacing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

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[PKRWUD]

As far as what to buy, wait and see what the timing chain people tell you. I personally would replace the balancer, especially if it was wobbling before. Even if it didn't go all the way onto the crank, it went far enough to bottom against the crank gear, which, when torqued, shouldn't have wobbled. Whatever you end up buying, make sure it's a matched set.

Take care
~Chris

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Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: JimPorterRacing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN. The best tool you'll ever have, and it's free !!!

[PKRWUD]

One more thing-
What was the brand and part number on the timing set you bought? if you don't still have the box, check the receipt.

Take care
~Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: JimPorterRacing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN. The best tool you'll ever have, and it's free !!!

[TJR]

The brand is Dynagear, and the receipt lists the part#-TC78151-9 with a description for a 289-351 engine. I tried to call the company, but couldn't get in contact with anyone. I also spoke to the place I bought it from, and they said to send it back and they would refund my money.

Anyways, I think I discovered where the wobble was coming from. I inspected my balancer again and the outer ring (weight) of the balancer appears to be slightly off-center about 1/3-1/2 of the way around. So it looks like I'm going to have to order a new one.

Sorry if I'm being a pain, but I have a few more questions to ask you:

- Is the balancer supposed to touch the crank gear?

- Should I keep trying to get in contact with the Dynagear people and try to make it work, or just send it back and order a Ford Racing timing set?

- Should I get a stock replacement balancer from Ford, or go with a more expensive one (Romac, Fluid damper, etc...) I don't know which one to go with since I've heard of people having problems with all of them.

Thanks again, I appreciate all your input on the subject. Hopefully, I'll get this figured out so I can stop pestering you.

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1989 lx notch
89,000 miles
5-speed, bolt-ons,3.73, TFS TWs, TFS Track Heat, TFS Stage 1 cam

[PKRWUD]

Just get your money back and be done with those people.

Then, buy a new timing chain set and a new balancer. Buying a balancer from Ford will work fine, although with the money you already have invested, I'd buy an aftermarket balancer. They're all pretty good. Tell you what. One of my best friends works at Hawaii Racing. His name is Jim Baker. he's off on Monday, but will be in on Tuesday. Give him a call @ (805) 583-8880 between 9am and 6pm PST. Make sure you specify Jim BAKER. There are two Jims there, and you don't want to deal with the other one. He'll take care of you, just tell him you're a friend of Peckerwoods. I'll probably be seeing him today. He usually comes over to watch the end of the race. Anyway, when I see him, I'll tell him about your screwed up story, and ask him to sell you the parts at my price. He may not want to at first, but I'll talk him into it. He wants me to work on his sisters Volvo for him, so he's gonna owe me anyway. Just remember, the mark-up on Hi-Po parts isn't very much, so don't expect a huge discount, but it should be around 15-20% for a quality balancer and timing set. Email me if you're interested. Otherwise, buy them elsewhere, but buy them together, from the same place at the same time.

- Is the balancer supposed to touch the crank gear?

Something, either the balancer or a spacer and then the balancer always contacts the crank gear. There are times when it needs to be out farther in order for the pullies to line up, and for that they make spacer kits.

Take care
~Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: JimPorterRacing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN. The best tool you'll ever have, and it's free !!!

[This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 09-23-2001).]