Check Those Harmonic Balancers

When setting the timing on my D100 the other day I noticed my balancer has a distinct wobble. Upon removing it for a closer inspection this what I found.

Given the age of our cars it’s probably prudent to inspect this crucial part from time to time. Had it totally let go while driving down the freeway, well let’s say it would of been ugly.

Agreed you dodged an (upcoming) bullet there.

Especially with no retaining lip to keep it from coming off forward towards radiator.

Figure at 2500 RPM that thing would be a missle

i don't think you could catch that thing if it came at you at an idle, even if you had a new catchers mitt !

It would have a tough time getting past the crank pulley. ;-)

My sons 62 300 had one come apart.He went to SFI like the one on my 440.Cheap insurance especially after decades.Rocky

Wouldn’t want to be the one to test that theory

Been there.

396 GMC truck, but the ring did not get past the pulley.

Belts stayed on too.

It did vibrate & it made a lot of noise too though!

My kids came off as I said.Didnt make it past the lower pulley either.made noise and was off but didnt damage anything.Rocky

This isn't necessarily a consequence of age. I remember in the mid-70's if you got a 340 in for a tune-up the first thing you did was check that the balancer ring wasn't slipping.

Pretty sure in my case, it was due to a very long time oil leak. The whole front of the engine was caked in dirt & after even a short drive, the front of the engine would be wet with oil.

I replaced the front seal before the new balancer went on.