Where is the harmonic balancer on the engine?
Your harmonic balancer is on the front of your engine. Most often connected to a crankshaft pulley. Harmonic balancers have other names as well. Such as vibration damper, crankshaft pulley damper, crankshaft balancer, and crankshaft harmonizer.
What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft harmonic balancer?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer. 1 1. Engine vibration. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the harmonic balancer is engine vibration. The harmonic balancer is 2 2. Misaligned timing marks. 3 3. Separated harmonic balancer.
What causes the seal on a harmonic balancer to loose?
Heat and engine vibration can cause the seal to become; hard and loose its sealing ability. As a result, allowing residual engine crankcase pressure; to force oil past the seal and out from the engine. Because the seal rides against the inner hub of the balancer; it can cause grooves in the seal surface.
Why is the crankshaft pulley and harmonic balancer important?
You may think that the crankshaft pulley is not as important as other parts of your car’s engine, but actually, it is vital to the proper operation of your vehicle. The crankshaft pulley comes with a harmonic balancer. Just from the name, the crankshaft Pulley/harmonic Balancer is a mediator between pistons and crankshaft.
What are the symptoms of a harmonic balancer problem?
One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the harmonic balancer is engine vibration. If the harmonic balancer can no longer properly absorb the harmonic vibrations, the engine will shake excessively.
Can a stethoscope detect a bad harmonic balancer?
A technician with a stethoscope can pick up the; vibrations of a bad harmonic balancer. In some cases, you can also see the belt vibration. As the rubber deteriorates even more; you’ll notice engine vibration at higher (RPM)s. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem is engine vibration.
What causes a vibration change in a harmonic balancer?
In addition to heat deterioration, fluid contamination can also accelerate decomposition of the rubber isolation ring. If you have an engine oil leak or coolant leak that flows onto the harmonic balancer. The oil and coolant contamination softens the rubber causing a change in vibration frequency.
What should I do if my harmonic balancer breaks?
Tighten the center bolt with a ratchet handle or breaker bar until the balancer breaks free. Note: Most harmonic balancers are kept from rotating on the crankshaft by using a woodruff key. Don’t lose the woodruff key; you will need it for reassembly. Step 5: Install the new harmonic balancer.
When do you need a harmonic balancer NHRA?
NHRA requires the use of an SFI 18.1 harmonic damper for any car running faster than 10.99 in the quarter-mile. Beyond that requirement, any engine that has been modified for increased horsepower and/or higher rpm limit can benefit from the use of a quality harmonic damper.”