Harmonic Balancer Horror Show

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Anonymous

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It took over a year to realize what the odd rattle-like sound was coming from the front of the 300 in my 1983 F100. The harmonic balancer. I purchased a new one from Autozone along with the puller, installer and torque wrench (rentals). After pulling the radiator, I removed the OE balancer and installed the new piece.

Things were going too good at this point. The balancer was sliding along the crankshaft just fine till it stopped as it bottomed out on the timing chain cover. Got the puller out again, got it off and compared it to the original balancer.....1/8" too short on the hub that goes toward the engine.

Now the truck sits dead in the dirt outside my shop. Has anyone experienced this or have any related tales with Harmonic Horrors?

Thanks, Dave
 
SIXPAC":ssgwxpl9 said:
It took over a year to realize what the odd rattle-like sound was coming from the front of the 300 in my 1983 F100. The harmonic balancer. I purchased a new one from Autozone along with the puller, installer and torque wrench (rentals). After pulling the radiator, I removed the OE balancer and installed the new piece.

Things were going too good at this point. The balancer was sliding along the crankshaft just fine till it stopped as it bottomed out on the timing chain cover. Got the puller out again, got it off and compared it to the original balancer.....1/8" too short on the hub that goes toward the engine.

Now the truck sits dead in the dirt outside my shop. Has anyone experienced this or have any related tales with Harmonic Horrors?

Thanks, Dave
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Not like that, I think they got you the wrong balancer.
 
Problem = Autozone. The counter help are nothing but min. wage clerks with a computer. Go ask them for a piece of 3/8 vacuum hose...guarantee they will bring you back a piece of fuel line, LOL. Go NAPA!
 
I just went through this exact procedure a week ago. I looked around and found that no one has the right balancer except for the usual specialty ford / falcon / classic outlets: ie, falconparts.com, classicinlines.com, or in my case Northwest Classic Falcons (nwfalcon.com) which just happens to be a few miles from where I live. Hooray for Portland.

Be prepared to pay. I spent $100 on mine for just a plain-Jane non-racing model. I know I could order one cheaper, but it was worth getting my car back one piece the same weekend.

Fits perfect. No more wobble.
 
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