[mchell]

Got a quick question:

I think my balancer has slipped.

When looking at a Pontiac harmonic balancer key way. What is the corresponding timing degree in relation to the key way?

Don’t have another one laying around to compare,.

Thanks

[lust4speed]

Just happen to have a pic from yesterday. Using the 2A slots, but that's only two degrees off and would be tough to eyeball the difference. Which brings up another point is the damper might only have slipped a few degrees which would be near impossible to discern.

[dataway]

If it's still on the engine ... use the #1 plug hole to find TDC and check it against the timing marks.

[mchell]

Originally Posted by dataway

If it's still on the engine ... use the #1 plug hole to find TDC and check it against the timing marks.

Did that first thing...it appears to be off 20 degrees or so

Still like to see where the balancer key way slot is in degrees. That would verify my findings.

I did order a new balancer (dayco power bond Sfi from Butler),

Thanks

[mchell]

For those that have a good balancer laying around:

At what degree is your balancer key way clocked to?... 100 degrees, 140 degrees etc.

Your balancer will have to have some marks all the way around to give an estimate of where the key way is normally clocked.

Trying to get a reference on a good one. Sounds like it’s not going to be possible without having a good one right next to mine.

I”m confidant that mine has slipped. Just looking while waiting for new.



Thanks

[johnta1]

Did that first thing...it appears to be off 20 degrees or so

When the engine is at TDC on #1, where is the timing mark on the balancer compared to timing cover?
Clockwise or counterclockwise from the timing cover mark?

[mchell]

Current situation:
See pic

With Engine at TDC on # 1....note that “zero “ on the balancer is now retarded about 20 degrees

While checking my timing I noticed it was advanced off the chart...dist was not loose, pulled dist and double checked everything and it was ok. Tried adjusting timing but it was wanting me to retard so much that I knew something was wrong as I kept having to idle it up way beyond normal.

That’s what led me to the balancer.

Never had one slip like this.

[mchell]

Originally Posted by johnta1

When the engine is at TDC on #1, where is the timing mark on the balancer compared to timing cover?
Clockwise or counterclockwise from the timing cover mark?

Counter clockwise....see the pic I just posted

Thanks

[mchell]

Also,

The uploaded pic looks crappy....try this one

https://share.icloud.com/photos/09gI...aQw#North_Port

If your looking at the pic the white line(on the balancer) is 34 degrees NOT TDC....I use that to reference my total quickly. The white line (kind of hard to see as it’s shaded)on the timing cover is zero.

[mchell]

Anyways,

Sorry for the confusion......every balancer should have the key way clocked at X degrees so the balancer timing marks reference the timing cover marks close enough to get timing.

I was trying a secondary verification by having someone look at a good one that is not on the engine.

My key way right now is clocked to about 100 degrees....should be about 80?

[johnta1]

Yes, it looks like it has slipped if the crank is at TDC.
It would be retarded.


What brand of balancer is that?

[mchell]

Originally Posted by johnta1

Yes, it looks like it has slipped if the crank is at TDC.
It would be retarded.


What brand of balancer is that?

Had this one for 10yrs ...can’t remember what brand...pioneer? Sfi two piece with the locking ring.


It’s marked with a “PB” brand.

[firechicken]

Powerbond perhaps

[mchell]

Well....should have removed pulley before I posted

See pic....definitely spun

Look at the fresh shiny spots...

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0ww5...NZbYJ1OtlnwVjg

[johnta1]

Well, good you found it before it exploded!

[mchell]

And I just ordered another powerbond....was that a mistake?

Any feedback on balancer choice?

Here’s what I ordered:

https://butlerperformance.com/i-2445...tegory:1234723

[johnta1]

Did you get the 1st one from Butler?
Might ask them if it may be warrantied?

I haven't had any of those balancers.
Might check it in about 8 years?

[mchell]

Should one avoid this style of balancer at a certain power level?......never gave it a ton of thought thinking these clamp better than a stock unit. But now I wonder.

[firechicken]

I've had a Powerbond sfi on my turbo engine for over 10 years without issue.
Maybe you were just unlucky...or maybe mine is about to let go.

[mchell]

Yeah.....I wonder about slinging a two piece 10lb weight from a standstill in an instant....It’s begging to come apart

Probably better using a balancer that is not a two piece?