Guys, a question regarding the balancer. I have read you can heat the balancer to improve install and conversely, you shouldn't heat it due to possible damage to the seal? It would seem if it was heated to 100 degrees or so it shouldn't hurt the seal?
Also, does it make a difference where the holes on the outside are positioned upon install?
It's technically not a balancer. It's just a crank pulley. The LS engine is internally balanced and that pulley is balanced individually (the drilled divots). Two balanced items are gonna be balanced regardless of their relative positions to each other. This is why it isn't keyed. Think of two opposing tires on the drive axle of a truck: They're both balanced, but are always in different relative positions due to the differential action.
The pulley does have a layer of rubber between the main ring and the belt pulley part to absorb vibrations/harmonics. So, I guess it's known as a "harmonic balancer", because it balances out just that- harmonics. Not balance the crankshaft. Or maybe GM just kept the name since that's what we've always known them as.
I've never heated one, but I don't see 100° or even 150° being a problem. I'm sure it'd help some. But, I'd rather stick to the factory install specs and MEASURE THE RECESS from the edge of the pulley to the end of the crank snout. There is a spec and you want the pulley to be in that range.
With all the counterfeit parts being sold online, I had to compare the new lifters to the originals. Either these are an impeccable clone or they're genuine. The new ones mic'ed .001" larger diameter, so I'd say it's just that the originals are worn down .0005", given their age: Took an...
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Whatever became of your timing chain/sprocket alignment issue?