My harmonic balancer on my 2.8 separated and the plastic in the middle broke. Is this repairable or am I better off getting a new one? Also is this common or can I go to the yard and take my chances on one?

 

TAKE YOUR OLD ONE TO THE YARD AND MATCH IT UP.
I'm serious, this is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION!
It can explode at any RPM right now.
STOP DRIVING THE CAR IMMEDIATLY!
Have it removed or remove it yourself.
BUT IT MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATLY.
I am NOT KIDDING!
It CAN EXPLODE AND INJURE ANYONE WITHIN THE FLIGHT PATH OF THE PARTS, Including you!
I'm serious.
Get this done immedialty.
Sorry if it's inconvient, but, I've had a balancer separate.
I've been told by some that I showed it to, they've heard of balancers exploding, falling apart at high rpms & shooting thru the radiator and hood, at same time.
Luckliy, I caught mine before it exploded.
You can repair it or buy new.
Call this number 619-264-8945 or try 877-933-6225
In San Diego, CA
You'll be at the yard
Match EXACTLY!!

 

I believe a new one is $60, a junkyard one might be cheaper. If you buy a junkyard one, make sure that the rubber ring between the balancer's center and outer steel ring is NOT trying to escape through one side! The rubber ring should be flush on both sides with the steel pieces. Don't pull the new (or junkyard) balancer onto the crankshaft using the center crankshaft bolt- you can snap the bolt and mess up the threads in the snout of the crankshaft. Use either the appropriate tool, have it installed, or tap on the CENTER of the balancer with a rubber mallet & block of wood.

If you tap on the OUTER RING, you'll DAMAGE the balancer, and need to get a new one!

If you bang too hard, you can mess up the crankshaft.

Make sure to coat the outside of the balancer sleeve (where it goes into the seal of the front timing chain cover) with either oil or a moly-based engine assembly lube.

 

Thanks for your replies. Don't worry Karl but I haven't driven the car except for the two blocks home from the market when I started it up and the noise started. Think I rather buy a new one then spend a day at the yard looking for another in good condition.

 

Try this place, too
800-831-0884
Northern Auto
They sell new parts and a Balancer may be in their selection of stuff.
Did you try the place in San Diego?
While you are at it, YOU ARE 1/2 WAY TO DOING the timing chain replacement.
Honest.
When ever a balancer is shot, 99.9% of the time so is the chain!
Northern Auto has that too.
I paid (mainland shipping prices) $50-ish.
Price included new water pump, new chain, new gaskets for the job.
Strongly consider this as you project. You will REALLY enjoy the benefits of this project.
You car will run smoother, more powerful and get better gas milage!
You win!

 

Do you just change the timing chain or do you replace the chain gears as well?

KJay

 

In this project instance, you replace the entire unit (gears & chain).
If you want to see how stretched out your chain is.
Simple.
17mm socket, put ratchet on crank snout.
Pop off distb cap. Move crank, see how long it takes to move rotor.
IF about an inch on crank movement, til the rotor moves, yep, it's history!
VERY worthwhile project.
Yes, replace pump same time.
IT already off, in your hands & it's about $20.