August 11, 2010
How to find out what harmonic balancer a crate engine 350 requires?
I have a 82 Chevy truck plow with a crate motor. The engine was replaced long ago, I think that it the wrong harmonic balancer to be installed because the balancer at TDC time mark 4 inches from the timing pointer. I had the head off and checked that the engine was at TDC. I find no information on the crate engines, and I do not know whether I need the 6th 750 or 8 in balancer. I currently have the 8, any ideas?
Filed under Engines by on Aug 11th, 2010. Comment. 
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Comments on How to find out what harmonic balancer a crate engine 350 requires?
The balancer diameter would not make a difference on where the timing mark is located. I would locate true TDC and use timing tape to locate your “0″ or fashion your own pointer to locate exact “0″. Timing tape can be bought at many auto parts stores in their performance section or can be ordered through such companies as Jegs or Moroso.
The problem isn’t the balancer, it’s the timing marks. The 8″ is the appropriate balancer. What most likely happened was the wrong timing mark was installed. Older SBC 350 engines had the timing mark attached to two bolts for the timing cover and sits just to the left/drivers side. In the 80′s, with the introduction of emissions and the A.I.R. pump, things got a lot tighter and the timing mark was tack welded to the center of the timing cover. If the wrong generation of balancer was used, it would not line up with the timing marks. I have seen this dozens of times.
Hope this helps. Christopher