All Small Six How common is it for the Harmonic balanacer to slip.

[Rod Beauvex]

I've heard it can happen, but how often has it been the case for you?

 

[DON]

Common? Probably not very. Has it happened- yes. With that being the case, when rebuilding an engine, it should be part of the rebuild. If not rebuilding, it is easy enough to check

 

[Alkraut]

The harmonic balancer on my 200 six is the "original" that I used when I rebuilt the motor several years ago. Engine had 43K miles at the time. When checking timing at idle, I notice a very slight wobble. No evidence of slippage ever, and the rim of the pulley is tight to the hub. This is my hobby-use car and I put 400-800 miles a year. Not sure if there is a failure mode due to slight wobble, but I will monitor to see if anything changes.

The car is a 65 Mustang without PS. Has anyone swapped out a harmonic balancer on the car? there is only about 4 inches to the radiator. I expect that the radiator would need to be removed? Thanks.

 

[DON]

It’s a good idea to mark the inside and outside of the balancer to make it easy to see if it is slipping. Remember only a few degrees matters.
I am not sure I would change it for a little wobble, just depends how bad it is. If you do pull it, there are places that will rebuild your. Guys have been happy with them. I believe you can get a repair sleeve to go over the seal surface area- a good thing to do. It gives the seal a smooth surface to seal against as well as adding a little to the diameter making a little tighter seal. Don’t forget a little silicone between the balancer and the sleeve to keep from having a little oil leak by

 

[DON]

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1967/ford/mustang/engine_mechanical/harmonic_balancer_repair_sleeve.html

Can’t beat the price. I think I would put on on a new balancer

 

[Alkraut]

Thanks for the info