this problem is on my 1989 chev camaro iroc-z when the engine is idling i feelthe rough spot about every two seconds the higher the rpms the faster the rough spot comes back i been told it could be the harmonic balancer i was wondering what other possibilities there might be thank you very much

 

Look and see if the harmonic balancer rings are separating. Other than physical damage, that would be the only thing that would go wrong. If it is an automatic, the thrust will be to drive the outer ring toward your timing cover. If it is a manual, it will drive the ring toward the radiator. The two rings are held together by a rubber seal with adhesive on both sides. If you go aftermarket replacement, measure the diameter as well as the length of the part fitting into the tc cover. Get a good balancer puller and spend the time to set it up. You will need it - they are tight.

 

What do you mean rough spot? Ignition, physical movement? In drive, in park, idling, AC on? etc.

 

its in idling only and driving and yeah you are the second person that has told me it would be the harmonic bal. yeah they are a pain to take out very difficult i pulled one out today on a 350 also

 

Well, I'm not convinced it is the harmonic balancer, but they are pretty easy to check. In fact, when I have had them bad in the past, it was the grinding noise on the tc cover. My guess is it isn't the balancer, but a quick visual will tell you.

Does your RPM or vacuum go up or down when you notice the rough spot?

 

honestly i havent turned it on for about 2months so i cant really say and the engine is ready to be pulled out because im going to replace all gaskets get the heads done so what are some things i can check while i have the engine out but right now in cali all cloudy and ready to rain can take the engine out what are the things to look for on the harmonic

 

sounds like a misfire to me,not a harmonic balancer problem. If an ignition tune up doesn't fix the problem its probably a warped piston. To check it out put a piece of paper up to the end of a tailpipe and see if it sucks the paper in a little when the idleing gets rough.