Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Harmonic Balancer for 292

Hi All, I was directed here by someone on the "Old-Burb" group at yahoo. I need help finding a main pully for my 292. I would prefer to find a new one, but would settle for a used one in good shape. Thanks, Michael

I got one from my local machinist last year for about $140. He said it was made in Australia. It was a 2 groove. The heavy duty truck 3 groove units are supposed to be better, having more mass in the balance ring to dampen out vibes. The 3 groove balancers may still be available from the Chevy dealers, but they are spendy now. Santucci's book lists the GM p/n but I can't find it. You definately don't want a used one, or one off a 250, and I haven't heard anything good about rebuilt ones.
HTH

There was a new one on ebay the other day and the price wasn't that bad on it either. Do a search under "292" or "6 cyl" I can't remember which. Actually, I think there has been a couple on there over the last month. Keep watching it.

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Ontario Inliners

1940 Chev Sedan
1954 Chev Custom
1965 Chev Pick-up

Do a search here for Damper Dudes. Sam

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm new and didn't see the "Show Signature" option. So, none of you knew that mine's a 64, sorry. So, far the only new ones I've been able to find are post 1975 (both two and three groove). I've been told that the balance of the engine was changed that year and that I can't use any of those. Is this true?

If so, it looks like I might have to settle for a remanufactured one. Has anybody had experience with Dalemfg.com? He rebuildes them himself and offers a lifetime guarantee.

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Michael Cady
64 Chevy Burb W/292

Silly question, but how do you know when a balancer (absorber) is bad?

Sometimes the outer ring will slip forward or backward on the inner ring. Then the belts don't line up anymore. Occasionally the outer ring will move around rotationally, and that results in the timing mark not being where it should. The only way to find this out is to use a piston stop to find TDC and see if the mark lines up on the zero on the timing indicator tab.

There are also some tell tale signs such as more than usual vibration and trouble with accessories. As the rubber becomes brittle it becomes less effective at doing its job of absorbing vibration, as well being more susceptible to slippage. Before mine slipped I had a water pump and alternator go bad, and the wires on my alternator vibrated so much that they broke at the connectors. I didn't know the cause (at least I assume it was the cause) at the time or I would've looked into replacing mine. Of course, I'm having a hard time doing that now!

I think I'm going to go with Dale Manufacturing for a rebuild. He started out doing Corvair dampers and has a good rep. with Corvair fanciers. I like the thought of using the more massive 3-groove damper, but I'm getting conflicting opinions on whether or not it's feasible.

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Michael Cady
64 Chevy Burb W/292

Michael, I've had a damper rebuilt by Dale Manufacturing (ford 170 six) & he did a great job, though I haven't had the chance to use the damper yet. He usually has a good turn-around (about 3-4 days). I actually met the guy when I was in Salem OR, he makes a jig for each engine damper he rebuilds. Has a great little machine shop & is a nice guy to boot. Take care,
Edwin

I've got a vibration at idle in gear (292/PG), and I'm not sure what the problem is. Man vacuum is a solid 20" at idle, and I'm thinking that the balancer may be bad. Is there anything that would tell me the balancer is definitely bad? What's a typical price for a rebuild?

Edit:
Checked Dale's website, and the rebuild cost is $90 plus shipping. Seems reasonable if it takes care of the vibration.

Can I tell if the balancer is bad by simple inspection?

[This message has been edited by cruiserman (edited 10-29-2003).]

I found a new 3-groove HB at ventureproducts.com for $108. It's listed as covering 67-74, so I though that I was close enough. Then I read an email from '68OrangeSunshine that said they changed the crank in 67. So, I don't know how it's gonna work. I'm sure it will fit, but I don't know if it will balance my engine correctly.

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Michael
Atlanta, Ga
64 Chevy Burb W/292