Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

[Littlebro55]

My previous question was "Can I use the harmonic balancer of of my 1989 4.3 on my new 1998 vintage engine" It was suggested that I get one for the correct year, which I did. It's a Dormin # 594-181. It has a 1/4 inch lip on the face that sticks out and won't allow my pulleys to bolt on flush. The parts people said that is the correct one for that engine. Now I'm stumped!
Can anyone enlighten me as to what I do now ?

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

Are your timing chain covers identical? Some 4.3 liter engines have the balancing shaft and use different equipment and the kids at the parts stores are clueless to this fact because their computers dont tell them so...

 

[Littlebro55]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

No, The new one has a plastic timing chain cover. The older 89 was steel.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

Theres your problem. The engine you have has a balancing shaft. You must use the front end from the same type of engine. The kids at the parts store looked at me like I had 2 heads when I was trying to explain that to him. Google it, you will find everything you need to know...

 

[Littlebro55]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

Thanks Alpheus, It sounds like you have done this... Would you have the brand / part # for the balancer or how did you solve this problem. I called a local boat repair shop and was told that it will be OK to use the old one.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

Try it but the timing gears on that engine are different from from your other one with the steel cover do to them being off set because of the balance shaft. Most auto parts stores dont even know this. Hell I didnt know it until I tried using the timing chain set they sold me and assured me it would fit but it did not. The timing chain will not let the your HB slide in far enough to let your pulleys line up. You have to find a new HB and accessories to match up to your engine...

Here is a post covering the very same issue you are having...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=311524

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

My previous question was "Can I use the harmonic balancer of of my 1989 4.3 on my new 1998 vintage engine" It was suggested that I get one for the correct year, which I did. It's a Dormin # 594-181. It has a 1/4 inch lip on the face that sticks out and won't allow my pulleys to bolt on flush. The parts people said that is the correct one for that engine. Now I'm stumped!
Can anyone enlighten me as to what I do now ?

It is correct-for a car or truck 4.3, not a marine engine, as the marine balancer is flat, not lipped.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

Check this link you can see the 2 different part numbers.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...bnbr=17&bdesc=INTAKE+MANIFOLD+AND+FRONT+COVER

You can get a used one cheap www.budgetboats.net I know they have a couple of them on the shelf because I was just looking at them a couple of weeks ago....

 

[Littlebro55]

Re: Harmonic Balancer Question Part 2

Thanks to all for the advice. I found the answer to this question from GM Marine Engine Sales. You "CAN" reuse the older harmonic balancer from any 1985 & up MARINE Engine on the new vortec engines. I think the key word is "Marine"

Thanks again