Harmonic balancer/water pump

[Geep]

Long story : Recently had the front and rear main seals replaced on my 304V8. They also replaced the water pump and timing chain while they had it apart. Problem is (?) they replaced the water pump with an after market pump that wasn't molded just right. After all was put back together, they fired it up and claim the harmonic balancer hit a burr on the water pump case with such force it cracked the harmonic balancer. They fixed the burr problem and replaced the harmonic balancer, at no cost to me. Now after about 250 miles the front main is leaking again. I called the shop and told them of the situation and they said bring it back and they will take a look. I don't want them to get any deeper into my pocket and I told them that ! Question is, Would the harmonic balance hitting the water pump hard enough to crack it, cause damage to the new seal ?

 

[Torxhead]

The crank which connects to the harmonic balancer is well secured to the engine. The balancers that I remember are round and I would be interested on just how it hit the water pump. The front seal or timing cover might have been installed incorrectly. If you are not confident to repair these issues, you might as well take it in and let them look at it. Good luck

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I believe you are be'n fed a heavy dose of BS!
Very easy to crack a HB with a gear puller, if the 'monkey' doesn't know how to use it--
LG

 

[Geep]

I believe you are be'n fed a heavy dose of BS!
Very easy to crack a HB with a gear puller, if the 'monkey' doesn't know how to use it--
LG

I think this is most likely what happened, but by some strange happening, it did do the big bang with the water pump, would that cause damage to the new front seal they just installed ? After 250 miles its leaking.
Thanks for the response Torxhead & LG

 

[Torxhead]

In my opinion, I would think you should determine weather or not to return it for completion. As you have already invested a good chunk of change already. Starting with are they a reputable outfit?

 

[Geep]

Here a couple of pics of the harmonic balance
As far as being a reputable outfit, I have never had any business with them before. They have been in the area for over twenty years and always seem to be busy. Couldn't find any bad reviews or complaints. I'm waiting for the owner to call me sometime after 5:00 this evening

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Looks like the 'monkey' miss-aligned the keyway slot and 'drove' the HB into the key on the crankshaft. That's why it cracked
Bet that monkey tried re-installing that HB with an air wrench too.
You always coat the shaft with anti-siege to help on install/alignment for this reason.
LG

 

[hdgapeach]

I'm agreeing with Lumpy; Not sure the key way wasn't lined up but I'd bet, at the very least, the HB was not started on the crankshaft straight. Then the ol' air hammer didn't care if it was straight or not. With all the extra slop, I'm not surprised the HB had enough extra swing to contact the water pump.

Once the HB is cracked, and depending on how much they run the engine before you got it back, it's possible the extra vibes could have screwed the seal up. I doubt it though. There are several other legitimate reasons new front seals fail:
A groove could be worn into the crankshaft where the seal rides. They make sleeves to remedy that issue.
If the timing cover was tightened to torque prior to installing the harmonic balancer, the hole may not be centered with the crank. I always leave the timing cover bolts loose, install the HB, then go back and torque the cover down. That allows the HB to determine the center of the seal mating surface.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[jdcaples]

From the "benefit of the doubt corner," is it possible the HB was either defectively manufactured or manufactured from sub-standard metal?

There are a lot of "cost attractive" parts on the market these days and while some junk doesn't directly dent the wallet, the pain's felt in other ways.


Just a thought....


-Jon

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The cracks are fresh and not worn where the seal rubs it.
The installer crack'd the HD on install and is blow'n smoke to CYA.
LG

 

[Geep]

Thank you all for your input ! I will confront the owner with these scenarios when I see him eyeball to eyeball, cause he didn't call back as promised and wont return my calls......I got a bad feeling this is gonna get ugly before it gets pretty. If they stick with their guns and claim the HB hit a lump on the poorly molded water pump , I think the shock of that would damage the newly installed seal and it should be on their dime. other than that It would be hard to prove that The "Monkey" installed it wrong ???????

 

[Hedgehog]

No matter what, the seal should last more than 250 miles and it's clear that they need to repair the problem. No matter what happened to your HB. And I agree with Lumpy on this one, those things don't just crack like that. ..... also, a lump in the casting.... !

 

[Lumpy Grits]

IF your HB had hit a 'lump'(Total BS, BTW)there would be a 'kiss' mark on the HB.
Your flat out be'n lied to!
The 'monkey' broke the HB. Simple as that.
IF you paid with a CC. You will need to dispute this with the CC company.
Good luck and keep us informed--
LG

 

[gitz676]

If replacing the HB have you considered installing a liquid filled HB? I am told they are much easier on main bearings.

 

[Neuner]

And I agree with Lumpy on this one,

I about blew coffee all over my keyboard reading that one. Never thought I'd see the day.




In the end I'd be sure to let everyone know about what this place did. Post reviews on sites people typically use like Yelp or Google so they know what happened and can make a decision to take their business to this shop or elsewhere.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I about blew coffee all over my keyboard reading that one. Never thought I'd see the day.

I wonder'd who took over HH's keyboard-

LG

 

[Hedgehog]

Grits and I agree on more things than it may seem. Also, even though I might have needed to give some of his advice some thought, he has helped me quite often. I've even said as much on several occasions.