Harmonic Balancer ID - v6 3.8

[gdouaire]

I wonder if a 1987 GN balancer would fit - found one gently used... This balancer is made to work with a crank sensor & would not use it, but would it interfere with the timing cover/etc?

 

[ELCAM]

If it looks like it would cause a problem it can be removed. it is just a sheet metal ring pressed onto the balancer.
Might have to destroy it to get it off, just don't damage the seal area on the balancer.

 

[gdouaire]

If it looks like it would cause a problem it can be removed. it is just a sheet metal ring pressed onto the balancer.
Might have to destroy it to get it off, just don't damage the seal area on the balancer.

View attachment 216307

right, makes sense. thanks for posting this photo and your feedback, confirms what I suspected from looking at (less clear) pictures!

 

[jrcalvo35]

Ordered a Harmonic Balancer, supposed to fit a broad range of GM engines - from 1978 231 V6 to late 1980s - Dorman 594-142.

Turns out, that balancer does not fit my 231 V6, which is a 1979/1980 Turbo engine with the original crankshaft. The crankshaft has a 1-3/8" OD, the balancer has a 1-1/4" ID.

Trying to figure this out - did they ship me a bad part (surprisingly hard to find the specs of the dorman part with the correct PN...), are there differences between 231s NA vs Turbo w/r to the crank OD?

Was wondering if you figured out the problem. I’m in the same situation

 

[jrcalvo35]

Ordered a Harmonic Balancer, supposed to fit a broad range of GM engines - from 1978 231 V6 to late 1980s - Dorman 594-142.

Turns out, that balancer does not fit my 231 V6, which is a 1979/1980 Turbo engine with the original crankshaft. The crankshaft has a 1-3/8" OD, the balancer has a 1-1/4" ID.

Trying to figure this out - did they ship me a bad part (surprisingly hard to find the specs of the dorman part with the correct PN...), are there differences between 231s NA vs Turbo w/r to the crank OD?

 

[78Delta88]

231 / 3.8 had 2 different factories that made the crank. Same with 4.3 V6 S10 Vortec had same problem. You need the number on the crank.

 

[pagrunt]

231 / 3.8 had 2 different factories that made the crank. Same with 4.3 V6 S10 Vortec had same problem. You need the number on the crank.

That would be for the 231 being even or odd fire if I'm remembering right.

 

[78Delta88]

The Buick 3.8 should have been even fire that year. The 60 degree v6 was an odd fire, but lots of weird things going on back then. You really need someone that specializes on Buick during that time frame.

 

[78Delta88]

The number I was getting was same 594-142, and it's wrong.

Found crank....


So at least you know 3.2 to 3.8 to 4.2 are all the same as far as crank shows. So balancer should all be same from 3.2 to 4.2 V6.

 

[78Delta88]

Found this one on eBay... $155

Got to be something better out there, just have to find it.

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