Ok fresh 400 E block stock rebuild with Crane cam. Engine was a core short block history unknown. Rods serviced, crank polished standard, new pistons, rings, 030 bore, Cloyes timing set, new cam bearings, crank bore alignment checked true. Heads done, new lifters, preload checked. On assembly the balancer slid on all the way by hand which I have never experienced before. I torqued balancer bolt to specs and upon startup I heard a tapping noise that seemed to come from the front of the engine. It increases with speed and not there at Idle but if you goose the throttle you hear it. I removed the balancer today and tried another, same fit....did not run though just checked the fit. Could this be the source of the noise and what is the fix? Locktight or something similar or do I have another problem? Thanks

 

Mic the snout, sounds like it might be undersized.

 

start it without the balancer. check the keyway it might be chucking sideways on it

 

Was tempted but fear oil splash there and possible engine damage??

 

Good idea. I guess he could check the balancer for being oversized too.

 

Is it loose or you are just able to slide it on and off with slight resistance? If there is any resistance it is probably fine as long as it can't wiggle/wobble. You could reassemble it with the appropriate Loctite compound.

This was not uncommon on Buicks in the 70's but I've not seen it on an Olds.

Good luck!!!

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The balancer should slide all of the way back to the bottom timing gear. Then the bolt and washer snug it in place without any movement, when torqued correctly. If it still moves, you have a gear thickness issue or a short balancer..

 

I will check again for looseness (rocking on key) but at this point the balancers I tried push all the way on without effort by hand. I figured with the 160 Ft lbs required on the balancer bolt there would not be an issue, and maybe there is not an issue with the balancer...just might try to start without the balancer just to see if the noise is there... as suggested.

 

I think all Buick’s have a slip fit balancer. I doubt that you will have any problems. As long as the key way or slot isn’t sloppy, I think you will be fine.

 

More exploring today, ran the engine without the balancer and I could hear a noise still and still can't really pinpoint for sure. I am able to rock the balancer a slight bit by hand when I push it on the crank, key in place.... So after inspecting plugs, rockers while running I put everything back and started the engine.... the noise seemed almost gone.... So at this point I need to finish the car, paint and assembly, and actually take it down the road. Maybe lifters need a bit more preload.... Thanks for the replies!

 

Is this with the balancer bolt torqued to correct tightness?

 

No this is when I slide it all the way home...it is tight when torqued...

 

If it is tight when torqued, the only issue you might have is the timing mark not lining up with zero degree on the balancer. Find TDC and see if the pointer is on zero, if not re-mark your balancer zero line.

 

EDITED:

scrap the defective, failed damper. If it doesn't line up any more, it's moved. If it's moved some, it'll keep on moving because the rubber between hub and outer ring isn't bonded any more.

 

find tdc and see if the pointer is on zero, if not, scrap the defective, failed damper.

I would really appreciate it if you would not add your comment to my reply, making it look like I said that. I did not mean his dampener was defective, only that the zero might not line up exactly with TDC.

 

Yes it is fine has not slipped, I also checked it with another balancer to be sure.