Ok

I am in the process of stripping my engine (the spare 89 2.5L i have) to get ready for my swap of a 97 TJ motor.

I just removed the Harmonic Balancer and noticed that the rubber filling in it (very small amount but goes around the entire circumfrence is a little dry rotted and doesnt look all that well. Is this something to worry about? What exactly is the function of this thing??

A new one for like $125 or so.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

It is a basically a counterweight to balance the crankshaft rotating assembly, it also absorbs harmonic vibrations that cause faster bearing wear.

If the rubber is dry rotted you mind as well change it out while it is off the engine.

Also when you put it back on, DO NOT tighten it back up with the bolt that holds it on. You need to screw a stud in the crankshaft and use a combination of washers and a nut to pull the balancer back on the crankshaft. Some autoparts stores have these installers available for rent.

Good Luck

>>>>>Also when you put it back on, DO NOT tighten it back up with the bolt that holds it on. You need to screw a stud in the crankshaft and use a combination of washers and a nut to pull the balancer back on the crankshaft. Some autoparts stores have these installers available for rent.

***** AHHH. Thanks for the heads up. I wouldnt have thought that. My FSM doesnt even mention that. I just checked the FSM again and it says to pretty much install as it was removed. Hmmm, weird!

thanks