Harmonic Balancer

[aztazmam]

I'm building my first stroker a 96 4.0L to 4.6L and I want to know if the stock balancer will work or if there is an aftermarket one which is recommended for the 258 crank.

Thanks guys

[dwg86]

The stock one will work. You will need to install a 1cm spacer AFTER the balancer is installed, if you are using a long nose 258 crank.

[aztazmam]

Thanks for the info. Its probably obvious once I know, but what is the spacer for AFTER its installed? Due to the bolt length?

[dwg86]

The balanced is shorter than the 258 long nose crankshaft. The spacer goes under the bolt and washer to make up for the difference in length. Without the spacer the balancer would not pull in all the way and seat against the timing gear. If you are using a short nose 258 crank(same length as the 4.0 crank) no spacer is needed.

[SilverXJ]

Also, have the machine shop balance the balancer as well.. the tend to not be right on the money.

[ccpanel]

Also, have the machine shop balance the balancer as well.. the tend to not be right on the money.

it took the local balancer shop 3 tries to get my balancer right-thank goodness I was having it balanced...
first time it was so out of round you could see it.
second time it was off-weight...
third time was good.

PITA...
BTW-im using the full 1981 serp setup... so no spacer and 81 balancer.

[SilverXJ]

I would actually say you need to have the balancer balanced. All three balancers I have ever had balanced needed to have it done to actually bring them in to balance.

[ccpanel]

I would actually say you need to have the balancer balanced. All three balancers I have ever had balanced needed to have it done to actually bring them in to balance.

I agree.

That is how I found out that my balancer was bad the first 2 times.

everything that rotates should be balanced-everything from the tranny forward including flywheel/flexplate and if you have pulleys bolted to your balancer-include them.

[IH 392]

The OEM's only get the reciprocating assembly's kinda/sorta close!
One of the guys at work put a clutch in his Turdleta Celirud and on the CHEAP! I surfaced his flywheel in the lathe, and balanced it on the tire balancer!, I drilled holes right where Toyota started and when the balancer (on the gram scale) said "00" I told him I couldn't get it any closer on that machine!??, he told me that it was a day and night difference in how smooth the engine ran!
A guy that knows what he's doing! and with the proper equipment can get it on the nut!
A balance job even on a stock replacement engine is money well spent!

[gonridnu]

Before her old motor gave up the ghost I had bought a rebuilt balancer from Napa 'cause the elastomer was shot and the pully ring was working itself off. I balanced it while doing the stroker and it was 15 grams off. We were joking that they may not have even used the ring and hub from the same balancer at the rebuilder. Now that I think about it I better check the TDC mark on it tomorrow to see if it's clocked right...LOL

[ccpanel]

Before her old motor gave up the ghost I had bought a rebuilt balancer from Napa 'cause the elastomer was shot and the pully ring was working itself off. I balanced it while doing the stroker and it was 15 grams off. We were joking that they may not have even used the ring and hub from the same balancer at the rebuilder. Now that I think about it I better check the TDC mark on it tomorrow to see if it's clocked right...LOL

even with a "good" balancer I clocked mine with dial indicator before head went on and it was 3 degrees advanced at TDC according to the timing cover. I corrected my timing cover.

[SilverXJ]

The one I am currently didn't even come with any sort of mark. I had to make my own.