Topic: harmonic balancer wobble!

[TeamPontiac88]

Hi, I was changing the oil on my 80 ta with 301 non turbo, and i noticed the balaner appears to be wobbling! The pulleys are fine but the balancer on the crank appears to wobble. it feels tight. Im new to the 301 and have not worked on these cars in many years...   what should i be looking for? Thanks!

[turbota400]

Replace the balancer.  A bad one can do unspeakable damage to a motor in an instant.

[TeamPontiac88]

Hmm is it a horror story to replace? The last time i removed one was back in 1984 when i was fixing my 71 firebird with a 400....Thanks for the response by the way!

[turbota400]

It isn't too bad.  You have to remove the belts, fan, fan shroud, and pullies.  After you unbolt the balancer, put a balancer puller on it to get it off.  Sometimes it is easier to remove the radiator if you need the extra room to work in.  When you put the new one on, DO NOT use a hammer to "tap" it on.  This will play hell on your thrust bearing.  Use a proper balancer installer tool.  If you don't have the tools, most parts stores will rent them out for minimal cost.  This in a nutshell.

[TeamPontiac88]

Thanks, Not the fun of trying to find one! Gmdirect shows no listing and either does autozone or advance..   Thanks for the help!

[turbota400]

Try Butler Performance.  They specialize in Pontiacs.  Some of the restoration companies may also have them.  Classic Industries, Ames Performance, Performance Years, are a few of them.

[TeamPontiac88]

Ahh I forgot about them.. thanks!

[turbota400]

No problem.  Good luck with the repair.  If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.

[TeamPontiac88]

Great so far classic and ames dont list it!

[TeamPontiac88]

all i am seeing is a repair sleeve..   whats that all about?   oh I can see this will be fun! Maybe this is the excuse i needed to find a pontiac 400!   LOL

[Tin Indians Rule]

How many do you want???
I found about 10 listed in0.23 seconds. Heres one.

http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/pontiacdude/the-1455/Pioneer-Race-Balancers/Detail

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260764553718

[Tin Indians Rule]

You are non turbo so I think I recall your engine being internally balanced like the others earlier engines. 301-455 is supposed to be the same if memory serves me correctly in relation to balancers. Although not 301 turbo.

[Tin Indians Rule]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ATI-917160/?rtype=10

[Tin Indians Rule]

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/category.asp?CtgID=15041

[Tin Indians Rule]

http://www.tinindianperformance.com/pontiac%20engine%20balancers%20%20damper.htm

If you can't find one there let us know and we'll keep hunting. Good luck.