Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

76bonanza · 03-14-2007, 11:02 PM

Anyone use these? I have a small leak from my timeing cover from around the shaft? Are they easy to install and do they work?

RACINJASON22 · 03-14-2007, 11:14 PM

Temporary fix only IMO. I have used one once with no issues. If your planning on keeping the truck for the long haul 76bonanza then invest in a new balancer. My thinking on this is after many miles if the sleeve wears out or through it wont be a small leak It will leave you stranded wherever it decides to go by tearing the seal. Just my .02

kelsfine69 · 03-14-2007, 11:49 PM

Speedy sleeve ...sure. Used them alot and never had a problem. Works on pinion yolks too. New seal and a sleeve you wont have a problem

cduster · 03-15-2007, 06:58 AM

I have used a few of them with no problems at all.

mrein3 · 03-15-2007, 07:13 AM

I've used both the sleeve and an "offset seal". The offset seal starts cutting a groove somewhere else on your balancer.

piecesparts · 03-15-2007, 07:36 AM

I have had engines that had them on there and they worked for over 50,000 miles. They are a good thing to save some dough, but nothing replaces a new Harmonic balancer.

Huck · 03-15-2007, 08:00 AM

I've used them and will continue to use them--they are cheap, quick and easy fix that seems to last about as long as the original balancer!

**Yukon Jack** · 03-15-2007, 09:47 AM

Put one on the bbc before I swapped it into the K20. No drips so it seems to be working just fine.

76bonanza · 03-15-2007, 09:54 AM

I am a learn as you go mechanic and I can say I have never had a balance off. So what you guys are saying is the balancer has a sleeve that goes over the crank and it is that sleeve that penatrates the seal in the cover?

I think I understand now. A few questions. To put on the sleeve I pull the balancer put sleeve over balance hub then press balancer back on? How can I tell if it is the seal or the balancer? I am looking for an easy fix right now. And to replace the seal I have to pull timing cover and water pump and all right?

RACINJASON22 · 03-15-2007, 12:04 PM

What happens is that the seal actually wears a grove inth the balancer hub creating a leak. You are correct in pulling the balancer/ sleeve goes over hub, new seal in cover and reinstall. You do not need to remove the water pump or timing cover to perform this task. You can replace seal with the timing cover on. As for telling which one is bad It depends on if the balancer hub seal mating surface has a low spot in it. As stated before I have also used these once with out problems. Definatly a good quik fix and they seem to work well from what everyone else said. I just recomend the balancer for the long haul. While you have the balancer off check the rubber dampening ring on old balancer this may help you make up your mind which way to go also. RJ22

76bonanza · 03-15-2007, 12:28 PM

So what you are saying is that I can replace the seal in the timeing cover and put on a brand new balancer without removing the timeing chain cover? So the procedure is about the same for ethier fix just cheaper one way. I am not overly concerened with price just time.

Any tips on looking for a new balancer? I have a mild 355 about 330hp no track time about 40 miles a week.

Also it drips about one drop every day I drive it. Think it will be ok for another 6 months or so? Untill I get up the money for new balancer and all?

RACINJASON22 · 03-15-2007, 12:38 PM

Yes you can do this job with out removing the timing cover. Here's a good stock replacement from summit for $53.95 which is the way I would go or they go up from there. You could go even cheaper probably from your local auto parts store maybe a little.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

71 lowrider · 03-18-2007, 09:26 PM

I use a speedy sleeve on every chevy engine I rebuild. Have used them for years,never had a problem.If the only problem with your damper is a groove,I dont see why you would spend the $$ for a new damper. I havent done one lately,but I am sure you could do a sleeve and seal for around $20.

76bonanza · 03-18-2007, 09:40 PM

one other question looks like I will have to remove radiator to remove balancer is this true?

RACINJASON22 · 03-18-2007, 09:49 PM

Might be a good idea they don't take the bumps too well. If your carefull the puller should fit in there but, I would suggest it for the job at hand. RJ22

jimfulco · 03-18-2007, 11:34 PM

Be sure you remove any nicks or burrs from the balancer before installing the sleeve. Even a tiny little bump will screw up the sleeve when you try to install it. Use some 400-grit wet-n-dry sandpaper with light oil or WD-40 for lube. I just wrap some around the hub and wrap my thumb & forefinger around it and twist it around until it cleans up. Bit nicks will need a file or stone. Clean it off, loctite it, and tap the sleeve on GENTLY with a block of wood.

03-14-2007, 11:02 PM	#1
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Anyone use these? I have a small leak from my timeing cover from around the shaft? Are they easy to install and do they work? __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO Last edited by 76bonanza; 03-14-2007 at 11:02 PM.

03-14-2007, 11:14 PM	#2
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Temporary fix only IMO. I have used one once with no issues. If your planning on keeping the truck for the long haul 76bonanza then invest in a new balancer. My thinking on this is after many miles if the sleeve wears out or through it wont be a small leak It will leave you stranded wherever it decides to go by tearing the seal. Just my .02 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! Last edited by RACINJASON22; 03-14-2007 at 11:15 PM.

03-14-2007, 11:49 PM	#3
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Speedy sleeve ...sure. Used them alot and never had a problem. Works on pinion yolks too. New seal and a sleeve you wont have a problem __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

03-15-2007, 06:58 AM	#4
cduster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 403	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve I have used a few of them with no problems at all. __________________ Good Judgment comes from experience. Most experience comes from bad judgment.

03-15-2007, 07:13 AM	#5
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve I've used both the sleeve and an "offset seal". The offset seal starts cutting a groove somewhere else on your balancer. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

03-15-2007, 07:36 AM	#6
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve I have had engines that had them on there and they worked for over 50,000 miles. They are a good thing to save some dough, but nothing replaces a new Harmonic balancer.

03-15-2007, 08:00 AM	#7
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve I've used them and will continue to use them--they are cheap, quick and easy fix that seems to last about as long as the original balancer!

03-15-2007, 09:47 AM	#8
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Put one on the bbc before I swapped it into the K20. No drips so it seems to be working just fine. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-15-2007, 09:54 AM	#9
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve I am a learn as you go mechanic and I can say I have never had a balance off. So what you guys are saying is the balancer has a sleeve that goes over the crank and it is that sleeve that penatrates the seal in the cover? I think I understand now. A few questions. To put on the sleeve I pull the balancer put sleeve over balance hub then press balancer back on? How can I tell if it is the seal or the balancer? I am looking for an easy fix right now. And to replace the seal I have to pull timing cover and water pump and all right? __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO

03-15-2007, 12:04 PM	#10
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve What happens is that the seal actually wears a grove inth the balancer hub creating a leak. You are correct in pulling the balancer/ sleeve goes over hub, new seal in cover and reinstall. You do not need to remove the water pump or timing cover to perform this task. You can replace seal with the timing cover on. As for telling which one is bad It depends on if the balancer hub seal mating surface has a low spot in it. As stated before I have also used these once with out problems. Definatly a good quik fix and they seem to work well from what everyone else said. I just recomend the balancer for the long haul. While you have the balancer off check the rubber dampening ring on old balancer this may help you make up your mind which way to go also. RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! Last edited by RACINJASON22; 03-15-2007 at 12:06 PM.

03-15-2007, 12:28 PM	#11
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve So what you are saying is that I can replace the seal in the timeing cover and put on a brand new balancer without removing the timeing chain cover? So the procedure is about the same for ethier fix just cheaper one way. I am not overly concerened with price just time. Any tips on looking for a new balancer? I have a mild 355 about 330hp no track time about 40 miles a week. Also it drips about one drop every day I drive it. Think it will be ok for another 6 months or so? Untill I get up the money for new balancer and all? __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO

03-15-2007, 12:38 PM	#12
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Yes you can do this job with out removing the timing cover. Here's a good stock replacement from summit for $53.95 which is the way I would go or they go up from there. You could go even cheaper probably from your local auto parts store maybe a little. http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! Last edited by RACINJASON22; 03-15-2007 at 12:40 PM.

03-18-2007, 09:26 PM	#13
71 lowrider Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: meadville pa. Posts: 37	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve I use a speedy sleeve on every chevy engine I rebuild. Have used them for years,never had a problem.If the only problem with your damper is a groove,I dont see why you would spend the $$ for a new damper. I havent done one lately,but I am sure you could do a sleeve and seal for around $20.

03-18-2007, 09:40 PM	#14
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve one other question looks like I will have to remove radiator to remove balancer is this true? __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO

03-18-2007, 09:49 PM	#15
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Might be a good idea they don't take the bumps too well. If your carefull the puller should fit in there but, I would suggest it for the job at hand. RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!



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03-18-2007, 11:34 PM	#16
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve Be sure you remove any nicks or burrs from the balancer before installing the sleeve. Even a tiny little bump will screw up the sleeve when you try to install it. Use some 400-grit wet-n-dry sandpaper with light oil or WD-40 for lube. I just wrap some around the hub and wrap my thumb & forefinger around it and twist it around until it cleans up. Bit nicks will need a file or stone. Clean it off, loctite it, and tap the sleeve on GENTLY with a block of wood.

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