[Formulajones]

To check and/or make a new mark on the balancer, if you want it to be exact (and it really needs to be)

On an assembled engine you'll need a piston stop that screws into your spark plug hole. Very simple and cheap tool everyone should have in their toolbox.

Insert piston stop. Rotate engine clockwise until #1 piston touches, mark the balancer in this position, for example it may read 20 degrees BTDC.

Now rotate the engine counterclockwise until #1 piston hits the piston stop. Mark this position on your balancer, for example this time it may read 15 degrees ATDC.

What is exactly in the middle of those 2 marks is your new SPOT ON top dead center, which would be 5 degrees BTDC with the example I've given, which would show your balancer was off by 5 degrees.

I do this with every engine, usually during assembly while I am degreeing the camshaft,,,,,as I've had brand new balancers that weren't marked correctly or possibly the keyways are off slightly etc...You just never know with some of this aftermarket stuff. ALWAYS CHECK, cheap insurance and it only takes 5 minutes.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

I do this with every engine, usually during assembly while I am degreeing the camshaft,,,,,as I've had brand new balancers that weren't marked correctly or possibly the keyways are off slightly etc...You just never know with some of this aftermarket stuff. ALWAYS CHECK, cheap insurance and it only takes 5 minutes.

ASSUME will always get you into a lot of trouble.

KNOW lets you sleep well at night time and feel good when you put your foot into it.

Tom V.

ps If you verify that the balancer slipped toss it, it will continue to move from the time it first moved.

[cnhorn63]

Thanks formulajones and Tom, I plan on obtaining a piston stop to accurately determine TDC. Not a lot of info known about this engine, its an older build and prior owner did not know much either. Prior owner had the vehicle in storage 10+ years so very possible the rubber ring is done. Thanks for every ones input.