[DeTomaso] Harmonic Balancer

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/13/08 4:12:45 PM, mikebecker at cox.net writes:

> For the last week or 2, I've been pulling my hair our trying to figure out 
> why its impossible to set the timing on my car.  It turns out that the ring 
> (with the timing marks) has become separated from the 
> crankshaft/dampener/pulley assembly.  The ring moves a little bit, each time I blip the throttle, so 
> the marks are always moving.  It looks like an original/stock unit.
> 
All rubber-isolated harmonic balancers eventually do this after 37 years of 
abuse. There have been a couple of articles in the POCA News on this problem 
recently which you must have missed. Last year, I installed a Romak balancer 
from Australia because the outer ring is captured so it cannot move but can be 
rebuilt if damaged. It cost $250. If thats too rich for your blood, I suggest a 
completely stock assembly from one of the vendors. Going other places to save 
a buck can be a hassle to find one that has a four-bolt crank pully. A NOS or 
a used one will very likely be exactly like what you have- I personally have 
four with spun outer rings, and be aware that the 4-lb ring can either come 
flying off entirely and you are liable if someone behind you collects it with 
their windsheld. Or it can move backward and wear a hole in the front edge of the 
oil pan. Both have happened. Good luck- J Deryke



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