I rebuilt the top-end of my motor over this past winter break. Before I started the engine leaked no oil and ran smooth. Now that I have rebuilt the top half of the motor the harmonic balancer (stock old 8") wobbles when the engine is idling. The engine also leaks oil now, and guess where it is coming from. The crank seal in the timing chain cover.

Some notes on the rebuild. I reused the stock timing chain cover and even used the same seal that has always been with the motor. Also didn't change the balancer.

Are the oil leaks and wobbling balancer related?
Can balancers go bad?

I am going to tear into on Friday. What should I look for? How do I know if the balancer went bad.

Thanks
Brady

I had a similar problem. A few questions first. Are you sure that you have the balancer on tight and straight? When you put it back on was the key way in place? Look to see if the balancer is separating from the inner part of the balancer. There should be a cushion between the two pieces and the top and bottom pieces should be lined up. If they are not you need to have the balancer replaced right away. I have heard that if the outer part of the balancer comes off it could break off the front of your crank shaft. May be the key way sheared off and the balancer is spinning on its own and not with the crank. Just a couple of ideas.

I think a better question is...
What did you use to install the balancer?
Why did you not replace the seal while it was apart? graemlins/clonk.gif

Originally posted by jpextreme:
I had a similar problem. A few questions first. Are you sure that you have the balancer on tight and straight? When you put it back on was the key way in place? Look to see if the balancer is separating from the inner part of the balancer. There should be a cushion between the two pieces and the top and bottom pieces should be lined up. If they are not you need to have the balancer replaced right away. I have heard that if the outer part of the balancer comes off it could break off the front of your crank shaft. May be the key way sheared off and the balancer is spinning on its own and not with the crank. Just a couple of ideas. I am pretty sure it is on tight and straight. I will see for sure on Friday though. Thanks for the ideas.
Originally posted by Zman:
I think a better question is...
What did you use to install the balancer?
Why did you not replace the seal while it was apart? graemlins/clonk.gif Install, uh oh. I used a piece of wood and a hammer. And for the second question, damn I wish I had a good reason....


Thanks
Brady