HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
283 Harmonic Balancer - HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a 1964 Impala and pulled the 327 out of it and dropped a 283 in to get me on the road.

The 327 harmonic balancer uses a bolt to hold it to the crank.

The 283 does not have a hole in the crank and the harmonic balancer from the 327 may be too large for the 283 since the outer diameter will hit the timing mark tab.

How does the harmonic balancer mount to the crank on the 283? Just it just get "Pounded" on? Will it stay on? What size balancer do I need? Should I get a Harmonic Damper. Anyone have one for sale? If I buy one used, does it need to be rebalanced?

Any information will help, this is the only thing from getting me on the road!


Thanks,
James

The early small blocks had the harmonic balancer just pressed on. Do NOT pound it on. Make or buy the correct installation tool to install it. Being pressed on only is fine. However; a retaining bolt and washer can be added by drilling and tapping the crank snout. The correct thread size is 7/16-20.

An aftermarket timing tab can be purchase to fit the diameter balancer you decide to use.

do you know of a place to buy a Balancer & the tool?

James

Most any auto supply store should have them. If not Summit , Jegs & Northern Auto Parts will.

okay......with that being said, since it's pressed on.

Will drilling/tapping the crank mess up the integrity?

If the balancer is pressed on? Can I use the one off of
my old 327? I would need to remove the timing tab off
of the timing case cover for it to fit.

James

Drilling & tapping the crank snout in the center will cause no problems.

Yes, you should be able to use the balancer off the 327 as long as it is a press-on fit. It should slide on a short way and then get tight. Use the proper tool to install it all the way. The crank will be recessed in the bore of the balancer when installed.

As I previously stated you can get an aftermarket timing tab from your local auto supply store for the diameter balancer you are using. They are not expensive.

It will be very difficult to drill the crank snout by hand and get it straight. I would find a factory balancer, and install it the way it was designed. It is a tight press fit, and should not go anywhere. If you want it drilled, a machinist should do it on a lathe to make sure it is straight.

Chris

How do I get it pressed on? It's in my car? Does it
just take some good ole elbow grease? My local
parts stores do not have the tool. I live in Po dunk

James

I know this goes against the correct way to do it, but I have installed several balancers with my handy dandy BFH along with a block of wood. The block of wood is important so you dont distort the balancer with the hammer. Also, make sure you hit the center and not the outside ring. I am not sure what this magic tool I have heard of looks like, but I dont see any way to install a balancer with no bolt hole to pull from. When there is a bolt hole, the bolt will pull the balancer on perfectly. This also goes agains popular preaching, but I also have always done this. I have never had a problem or a thrust bearing issue, which is the only thing I can see it would hurt. As long as you dont get carried away and get it started straight, I think it will work fine.

I guess I have just never seen a need for any special tool so I never hunted one down.

Feel free to flame any non-believers....

Chris

I can`t say anything Turbo. I`m just as guilty. Haven`t had any problems yet.

GUILTY! Years ago........

Now........

When my 283 was apart this past winter....I drilled the crank for a bolt. Good insurance.



.

__________________
Old age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm every time.

I figured there were several of you guys out there harboring these feelings of guilt. Come on guys let it out

Chris

Guilty-- I think most of us that have built one have done it that way.
Jack

Back before they had bolts, that's how we always put them on. Magic wooden tool & a 3-pounder.

Ok this is whats going on i have a 283 small block in my camaro me and my father ripped the engine apart the other day casue we got a new cam and liftes and now we cant seem to put the harmoic balancer back on How do i do so???? it does not have a hole so i dont see how to put it on please help me i spent 5k on all theese parts to get my car running and give it some horsepower after everythings said and done i should have around 400 horsepower thank you! PLEASE HELPPPPP!!!!!!!