Query re harmonic balancer

[AndrewMB]

G’day all
I have a ‘64 C spec which is well used! I’ve had it for about 3 years, it runs nicely but it has had the harmonic balancer removed at some stage.
Could I get an opinion from people please if this will make much difference to the running of the car or even the life of the engine without it? I also drive other English cars which aren’t known for their smoothness, so I’m not sure how much this is affecting my SP.
Basically should I try to find one and put it on? Also begs the question – any ideas where I might find one please?
Thanks!

[Wally999999]

The crankshaft damper is definitely there for a reason & was included during the development of the engine (4.5
L too) to overcome torsional vibration issues that came to light during testing.

The damper helps with:-

1. Vibration Dampening: The crankshaft in an engine undergoes torsional vibrations as it rotates. Without a harmonic balancer, these vibrations could lead to metal fatigue or even crankshaft failure.
2. Smooth Operation: By mitigating these oscillations, the harmonic balancer ensures smoother engine performance.
3. Longevity: It protects other engine components, such as timing gears and bearings, from excessive wear.

So, I’d suggest seeking one out & fitting it. I hope his helps

[AndrewMB]

Thanks for your comments Wally, I’ll take your advice – now the fun of finding one that doesn’t cost the earth!

Anyone have one they want to part with please, even one that needs rebuilding – I gather they can be rebuilt ok?

Thanks all

[Wally999999]

I don’t think David Manners, et al have modern replacements for the dampers.

There are normally a few on eBay – there are couple on there now.

As you likely know, the damper is basically two steel discs bonded together by rubber & was manufactured by the Dunlop ‘Metallastic’ division. I’ve read of dampers where the bond failed & the outer disc came loose. It’s never happened to me, thankfully. Unless exposed to extreme circumstances, degradation of the rubber is likely to be limited to a few mm from the surface. There’s a lot more bond area below this layer that ought to be fine & give years of life. Worth inspecting a secondhand damper carefully though, to try and spot any obvious weakness; maybe by using a flat screwdriver to stress the bond slightly to check it’s still sound all around the circumference.

Having a damper will also give you the official timing mark, of course 🙂

Good luck

[lauriej1s]

So sorry somewhat that to this question, Crankshaft dampers are vital to the well balancing of the engine. These are available new Robert Grinter had a batch made for this sole reason that cars are more than 60 years old and the metallastic is giving way.

If none in stock I will lead you one until another batch arrives

[AndrewMB]

Thanks Laurie, I should have flagged this, I’ve just picked one up last week, so I’ll be putting it on the car shortly.

Thank you all who replied with comments!

[Author]

Posts