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?

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

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

Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve
 

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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

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?

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

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.:)

Re: Harmonic Balancer Repair Sleeve
 

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

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

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.