Author Topic: 302 Harmonic Balancer issues  (Read 3276 times)

68RSZ

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302 Harmonic Balancer issues
« on: June 04, 2013, 04:08:53 PM »
The harmonic balancer on my '68 302 appears to be an original style though I don't see 3817173 anywhere on it.  It has the correct timing location and the "Y" extends all the way to the rubber.  I have run it with a minimal gap (1/4 inch?) out from the timing cover and the belts line up.  The pulleys are correct though the water pump is a '72 GM.  My issue is that the balancer will press against the timing cover before it bottoms out on the crank gear.  The timing cover has a 67 date but I thought 67 and 68 covers were the same for 302's.  The timing chain and gears have been replaced with a Cloyes double chain (not an uncommon product) which makes me wonder if that is the issue.  The crank gear is pressed fully in place and the timing chain is aligned.  Is there a certain distance the outer face of the crank gear should be from the nose of the crank?  Is the inner hub of the balancer supposed to be a certain length?  Laying a flat edge across the back of the balancer, the inner hub extends about 3/8" past.  The entire set up has been run without issue up to this point but I'd like to remedy this if possible.     

BillOhio

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Re: 302 Harmonic Balancer issues
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2013, 12:03:07 AM »
My 69 Z did that and it had moved on the sleeve. They can be rebuilt or exchanged
1969 Z28, Burgandy, numbers matching, 12,900 miles
1968 RS 327 4 speed
1970 Z28 M22 4:10 bought from original owner
1961 Chrysler 300G convertible

68RSZ

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Re: 302 Harmonic Balancer issues
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2013, 04:34:43 PM »
Thanks for the reply!  So the outer ring has possibly shifted inward?  That would make sense in why it would hit the cover.  In looking at it there is a slight difference from the forward facing edge of the inner hub to the forward edge of the outer ring.   

Stingr69

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Re: 302 Harmonic Balancer issues
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2013, 09:03:34 AM »
....or the aftermarket timing gear is thinner than the original one?

68RSZ

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Re: 302 Harmonic Balancer issues
« Reply #4 on: June 07, 2013, 05:03:54 PM »
I wondered about that as well.  By measuring everything as best I could (balancer off but oil pan and timing cover installed and engine in the car) I believe there is about 7/16" gap between the balancer and the timing gear once the balancer hits the timing cover.  Could be some combination of both I guess.  Anyone else had issue when changing out the timing chain?