Hello,
I have a 1967 Delmont 88 with a 425 (I believe from a Toronado). I am in the process of replacing the harmonic balancer due to a nasty-looking wobble.

What is everyone's opinion on the replacement made by Dorman, part # 594-117.... it is visually different, but seems like it would fit.
Just wanted to get an idea from everyone before I install that one, or if anybody has any suggestions for me.

Thank you!

Mike

 

Mike,
I dont have any direct experience but in the professional automotive world "Dorman" does not have a very good reputation. I would see if Pioneer has one, I have used quite a few of thier oem dampers with no problems. The other choice would be to send your original to Damper Doctor and have them rebuild it but that might take a while.

I will check on Pioneer in the morning.

 

^^^THIS. The 64-67 balancers have some differences from the 68-up units. The replacement ones are the newer style. Timing mark may be in a different place, for example, which will wreak havoc unless you check this with a piston stop after installation.

 

Mike,
I just checked Pioneer and they do not list one for the 425. Damper Doctors used to have an exchange deal where they would send you a damper already rebuilt and you send yours in exchange. That might be another option.
https://www.damperdoctor.com/

 

I had the Damper Dr rebuild two of my dampers. One was an early 400 and the other was 425. Excellent work on both. Both had the ring slipped and the timing mark was way off, got them back and they were perfect.

 

Thank you for the advice!
The Dorman replacement is physically slightly smaller, and from what I can tell has no timing mark.......

The timing mark on my old balancer lines up exactly with the keyway; so my idea was to make a notch on the Dorman one at the same location? - Any thoughts on if that could be a problem? Would that balancer not do the same job as the old one because it is physically different?

I was kind of leaning towards the rebuilt original, but I think it would be much more expensive and I have to check how long I have to wait!

 

If you buy a newer balancer -I have a SFI of the 67 400E, I bought a 68 on up pointer from Summitt, easy install replaces on the old one or you will have timing issues like Joe mentions above!!

 

I guarantee that the replacement balancer has a timing mark. How accurately it is located is the question. As for transferring the mark yourself, how accurately do you think you can do this? Within two degrees? Within five? The reality is that any balancer should be degreed-in on the engine it is installed in. Even OEM balancers (or crank keyways) aren't necessarily accurate.

 

There are no marks on the new unit except 3 big drilled holes (which I didn't think would be for timing). If you look at a picture of the Dorman 594-117 you'll see the "drilled holes" I am describing

The way I was going to do it is I rotated the crank so the timing mark on the existing one lined up with the pointer.... I then removed the old one. I was going to then put the new one on and scribe the mark at the same spot on the pointer.

I just wasn't sure if this balancer should be used on the engine (even though it 'fits' according to every parts place)

 

Do you already have the Dorman balancer or are you just going from the photos?

 

Yeah I have the part and was going to install it, but I was second-guessing it. This way I can still return it if the consensus says no to this Dorman unit

 

Mike,

I have never heard of a harmonic damper without a timing mark on it and that alone would make me wonder about the quality. I guess if you feel comfortable in making the tdc mark I suppose it cant hurt too much to use it. I have a 425 in pieces here at the shop and it does appear that the TDC mark is aligned with the keyway. If you do decide to use it I would pay very close attention to any new vibrations that may show up. If you notice any I would take it back off and return it.

That being said ..... how bad was your original one "wobbling" ? Is the rubber cracked badly ? It is not at all unusual for stock dampers to not run perfectly straight.

 

Once again, Bill has pointed out the key issue. If the original balancer has issues with the rubber ring, you unfortunately have no idea if the timing mark on it is accurate or not. Again, get a piston stop and do it right.

 

I didn't really pay attention to how it looked before we pulled the motor. Now that the engine is back in and running it was a very noticeable wobble- definitely looked more than just 'not running perfectly straight". I'm sure weak rubber is part of it- but also the friend that was helping me, I believe he used a standard jaw puller on it (which I wouldn't be surprised if that 'cocked' it). I dont think it
Either way, given that it is 50yrs old I should have just replaced it anyways.

I ended up calling the Damper Doctor today like you guys mentioned. The price wasn't as bad as I thought to rebuild my own unit- I just will have to wait now! (I just want to drive the car!!)
I think having my own rebuilt will probably be best given the questions I have on that Dorman one.
Thank you for the tips!

 

You certainly do not want to run that balancer very long. I had the ring blow on a 67 442 400 and luckily it went toward the engine and not into the radiator. Never lost the belts either.