The Ford Barn - Harmonic Balancer

The Ford Barn (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/index.php)

- Model A (1928-31) (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3)

- - Harmonic Balancer (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263443)

Harmonic Balancer

Model A Harmonic Balancer discussion continued from earlier Thread. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...bration+damper

I felt I was high jacking this thread on Gear Backlash by continuing to ask questions on Engine Restorations LTD Harmonic Balancer so I started this new thread.

From previous thread;

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth (Post 1747098)

I have never seen a Harmonic balancer pulley for a Model A. It sounds like an excellent idea. Are they only available in New Zealand?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wensum (Post 1747342)

The new Zealand made Damper is the same size as the original pulley but only a little bit deeper. The cost including shipping is very reasonable. "These dampers are made by Murray Horn in Levin N.Z. His Company is Engine Restorations Ltd. His email is [email protected]
Murray says this is the best way to contact him.
The dampers are a straight fit to replace the standard Model A pulley. An added benefit is a shallow reverse scroll in the rope seal area to help contain oil."

Quote:

Originally Posted by wensum (Post 1755231)

Yes the replacement harmonic balancer pulley simply replaces the original pulley. However, due to its extra depth it sits quite close to the front spring U bolts, and it is necessary to install the fan belt before fitting the pulley as one can't feed a fan belt in once the pulley is installed

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAJ (Post 1755605)

I carry a linked belt in both cars with the harmonic balancers. This makes it easy to replace a broken belt. These linked belts are good for tens of thousands of miles.
SAJ in NZ

After some thought and talking to Murray I decides to try one of his harmonic Balancers.

I received my harmonic balancer today. Nice piece. Weighs 5 - 5 1/2 lbs. Can I assume with the “reverse scroll” that a modern lip seal can not be used? I’m running a modern seal now.

I did pose this question to Murray but have not heard back yet. I was just wondering if anyone on the Barn had experience with this.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5c5deb1f2a.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...52ebd521bd.jpg

Thanks, Ruth

Re: Harmonic Balancer

From New Zealand. I've heard good reports but haven't had a chance to try mine yet. SOON though.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Yes from New Zealand. I just heard back from Murray. He confirmed to use the rope seals. It will be a bit before I can install mine also.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

I contacted him also and had the same question regarding the spiral on the seal surface, but I have not asked if they are available without the spiral, as I want to run a modern seal in the front and a lip seal won't last long with the spiral.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan McEachern (Post 1757968)

You could put a Speedisleeve on it.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

I had not thought about the spiral on the seal surface either. I had wanted to run my Bill Stipes front seal that is on the car now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete (Post 1757978)

You could put a Speedisleeve on it.

That may be something to look into.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

So, it appears that were you to break a fan belt, you would have to remove the front pulley in order to replace it?

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by whirnot (Post 1758047)

So, it appears that were you to break a fan belt, you would have to remove the front pulley in order to replace it?

I think you would have to jack the engine up. It sounds like a hassle I know. But how often do you break a fan belt?

I am going to carry one of these belts with me 'just in case'.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8b07b1b6_n.jpg

Re: Harmonic Balancer

I have a 31 tutor. I’ve changed a few fan belts in the past 20 years and I have enough clearance to change the belt without removing the pulley. Isn’t that the way it should be?

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth (Post 1758056)

I am going to carry one of these belts with me 'just in case'.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8b07b1b6_n.jpg

Where do you get this type of belt?

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG (Post 1758125)

Where do you get this type of belt?

Grainger. Harbor Freight. Ebay. Most any industrial V belt supplier.

These have a big advantage in that they do not flutter at high speed and cause vibration like a standard V belt.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

I'm running a modern seal with my harmonic balancer without problems or leaks.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

They are available with or without the spiral so rope or modern seal compatible.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

What are the benefits of this balancer. I probably missed it because I did not see earlier threads.

John

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by john in illinois (Post 1758211)

What are the benefits of this balancer. I probably missed it because I did not see earlier threads.

John

Longer crankshaft life.

The heavier the damper/balancer or the lighter the flywheel/clutch assembly, the better. It has to do with reducing torsional vibration in the crank. You can't normally feel this vibration in the seat of the pants.

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG (Post 1758125)

Where do you get this type of belt?

I got it at Rubber Belts Online. They sell it by the foot. it is called PowerTwist Plus. The ⅝" size fits Model A pulleys.https://www.rubberbeltsonline.com/category-s/334.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909 (Post 1758195)

They are available with or without the spiral so rope or modern seal compatible.

I wish I had known that when I ordered it. Murray never mentioned it when I asked him about using a modern seal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wensum (Post 1758191)

I'm running a modern seal with my harmonic balancer without problems or leaks.

Does your harmonic balancer have the spiral?

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth (Post 1758221)

I got it at Rubber Belts Online. They sell it by the foot. it is called PowerTwist Plus. The ⅝" size fits Model A pulleys.https://www.rubberbeltsonline.com/category-s/334.htm

I wish I had known that when I ordered it. Murray never mentioned it when I asked him about using a modern seal.

Does your harmonic balancer have the spiral?

I'm running a modern seal with mine, I've got about 400 miles on it sense installed and no issue's as of yet, and yes i do believe it makes a difference!
Terry

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth (Post 1758056)

I had forgotten about those! I used to keep one for industrial emergency use. They work well and are flexible. Good solution!

Re: Harmonic Balancer

I just wish it wasn't so RED! :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Most times when you lose a fan belt can't one just drive on home and replace it there. The thermo cycle should keep the water circulating and with common sense driving you should be okay. On a tour is a different story and carrying the industrial belt seems prudent if you have the harmonic balancer. That's what I will plan on doing if and when I get one installed. (Thinking of putting on and one of Snyder 6.? heads on the roadster. I is a little underpowered with the old Police head and 3:54 gears, though I can shift down and cure that, just have to drive slower.