Is this the harmonic balancer?

[cgbude]

Trying to figure out if the part that is breaking apart is the harmonic balancer and if so how difficult is replacement. Does it require resetting the timing?

 

[someotherguy]

Yes, not hard, and no, unless it's been set incorrectly previously due to referencing the mark on the balancer that has possibly slipped.

Richard

 

[Road Trip]

cgbude,

Thanks to your TBI setup not having a CKP (crank position sensor) you
don't have to worry about figuring out how/where to get the crank
relearn done. Pretty much a straight swap out in your case, with the
caveat mentioned by @someotherguy .

As for doing the job, this video on replacing the harmonic balancer on
a slightly newer GMT400 truck should be close enough to give you a
good idea on how to perform the swap on your truck:

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As for the part itself, according to the Scoggin Dickey website
the ACDelco #6272222 is the stock replacement balancer for
your '89 TBI 350. (See attached screen snap.) Of course, if you
go *HERE* to Rock Auto the same ACDelco balancer is available
for less money. (Not to mention that there are off brands also available
for an even lower price of admission...just how lucky do you feel?)

****

By the way, good find during a visual inspection on the failing elastomer bond!
If that fails, the outer ring turns into a several pound cast iron Frisbee. (!)

If you are lucky, it may eventually be spit out unceremoniously onto the pavement.
If you tend to be unlucky, it takes out the fan & radiator as it exits the engine bay.

Of course the real crowd pleaser is if the engine is revved right up and the outer
ring departs through the hood...making for a great story told around the
campfire. :0)

One last thing. Advance Auto & other stores will rent you the tools you need
to pull & reinstall the balancer for $0. (ie: you get all your money back once you
return the tool.) That will save you having to invest in tools that you would use
infrequently.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes...

 

[skylark]

That needs the front crank seal replaced too. If you're that far in I'd replace the timing chain as well. It is just 3 bolts and you'll have more accurate timing.

 

[Schurkey]

It is just 3 bolts

Plus all the bolts on the water pump and timing cover, and some of the bolts on the oil pan and maybe some of the accessories.



Be really sure that the "new" torsional damper has the timing mark in the correct place. There's at least two different locations for the timing mark, perhaps more.

 

[GoToGuy]

Good catch on the countdown time bomb.

 

[skylark]

Plus all the bolts on the water pump and timing cover, and some of the bolts on the oil pan and maybe

I apparently haven't been into a SBC in awhile. In my head that seal went in from the back side. My memory failed me!

 

[pgutier1]

Trying to figure out if the part that is breaking apart is the harmonic balancer and if so how difficult is replacement. Does it require resetting the timing?

Damn, that balancer is toast! LOL

Like @GoToGuy said...ticking time bomb.

I feel your pain as I just did this job this weekend. I was installing a three piece BBK Performance underdrive pulley system and when I was installing the serpentine pulley, I stripped one of the bolts holes...UGH!

To make a long story short and since I was going in balls deep on my SBC...I replaced everything possible associated with that area. Please keep in mind that this is only my opinion...

It's better to do proper maintenance and preventative items than to worry about it later and since everything that I needed to replace was old, worn out or time to replace.

BTW, I picked up a new to me balancer at Pick N Pull which I found one in great shape.

New oil pan gasket set
New timing cover gasket set
New timing chain
New water pump
New tensioner assembly and pulley
Used BBK Performance Underdrive pulley system (3 pulleys)
'99 11 blade plastic fan
New fan clutch
Used '99 radiator
New '99 oil cooler lines
New radiator hoses and t-stat

I also removed the condenser and the grill to have a clear shot of the balancer. Have fun and keep us updated!

 

[GoToGuy]

That balancer looks like it has some damage? My personal thing is high rpm spinning objects with known damage, for me , the chances of something going bad.
Did I tell you about the time a bolt fell out of the hurst shifter. I now have desk paperweight a piston rod broken a bent in half.

 

[pgutier1]

That balancer looks like it has some damage? My personal thing is high rpm spinning objects with known damage, for me , the chances of something going bad.
Did I tell you about the time a bolt fell out of the hurst shifter. I now have desk paperweight a piston rod broken a bent in half.

If you are referring to mine...it's the paint, I didn't let it dry with enough time before I painted the back of the balancer. It was resting on a magnet since I really didn't care about that area since the pulley was going to be installed on it, it would be covered up.