OK, well, I got my 82 Firebird a couple months ago with a blown engine, so I got a new 305 in there and it ran fine for around a month or so, then about a week ago I started to hear a rattle so I jacked it up and saw the harmonic balancer had slid back and was rubbing against another piece of the engine. It slid rather easily to its normal position, and it still does slide easily.. why? and how can I fix it?

 

You need a new one. The blob of spooge that holds the outer ring to the inner part has failed completely. You can get them in the Pioneer brand from machine shops and such, or from Summit, or even the dealer. You can "rent" the tool to remove and install it at AutoZone or Kragen or many other parts places.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

replace it and make sure it has a key in the crank and the crank isn't messed up

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ICON Motorsports
1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

how much will it all cost and is it too much to do in my own garage? thanks for the quick help

 

I beleive the small "305" ballancer is around 60/70$ new, or you could probably get a used one real cheap but you might end up in the same situation a few months later.
SSC

 

thanks for all the info and the quick responses..