According to the automotive diagnostic website AA1 Car, bad ignition timing is due to an erratic signal from the camshaft sensor caused by harmonic balancer’s inability to stabilize the component. The condition results in your vehicle being unable to start.
What happens when harmonic balancer goes bad?
If the harmonic balancer gets too old or fails and can no longer properly absorb the harmonic vibrations,
the engine will shake excessively
. The shaking will become even more pronounced, and therefore dangerous to the engine at high speeds.
How can you tell if your harmonic balancer is going bad?
- Cracked, bulging or missing rubber.
- Harmonic balancer wobbles.
- Separatation between the hub and outer ring.
- Timing marks slipped. Timing error code or mis-fire.
- Excessive wear on main bearings.
- Oil pump failure.
- Broken crankshaft.
- Loosening or broken bolts.
Can you start a car without a harmonic balancer?
The harmonic balancer is essentially part of the crankshaft pulley. … And without it,
you can do damage to the crankshaft and the engine bearings
. So you really do have to replace it.
Can a bad harmonic balancer cause engine damage?
Although the harmonic balancer may seem simple enough, if it fails, it can cause major problems. Without the balancer dampening unwanted crankshaft vibrations, engine failures, such as worn rod bearings and a broken crankshaft, may result. A
faulty balancer can damage the belt and engine-driven accessories as well
.
How long should a harmonic balancer last?
On certain engines, sometimes these last forever, last the life of the engine. And certain engines they might only last 50,000 miles or
less than 10 years
. This is a good example – because it’s got such a massive piece of rubber – you can see the rubber literally tears apart into two sections.
Is crankshaft pulley same as harmonic balancer?
A harmonic balancer is a front end accessory drive component that is connected to the crankshaft of an engine. … Harmonic balancers do have many names, though, such as damper, crankshaft pulley and crankshaft balancer, among others.
Is a harmonic balancer necessary?
A harmonic balancer sounds like a crucial part on a spaceship in some pulpy 1950s sci-fi story, or something you need so you can play music with hobos when you’re ridin’ the rails. However, it’s actually
an important part on your engine
that helps your crankshaft last as long as possible.
What does the harmonic balancer do?
A common part found on all high-performance engines is a harmonic damper (or harmonic balancer, as they are often called). Found at the front of the engine attached to the snout of the crankshaft, harmonic dampers
are used to quell the harmonics of the crankshaft.
How important is a crankshaft pulley?
How the Crankshaft Pulley Reduces Damage. Located outside the engine block, the crankshaft pulley is
essential to ensure other engine components operate in unison to allow the vehicle to run smoothly
.
What are the signs of a bad crank position sensor?
- Your Check Engine Light is Blinking.
- It’s Difficult to Get Your Vehicle to Start.
- Your Vehicle is Stalling and/or Backfiring.
- The Engine is Making Your Vehicle Vibrate.
How do you test a harmonic balancer?
Start your engine and check the harmonic balancer to
see if it wobbles while the engine is running
. Take a flashlight and shine it directly onto the balancer to see if it goes in and out while rotating. If it wobbles, the harmonic balancer is bad. Turn off the ignition.
Why is my harmonic balancer wobbling?
An over-tightened belt may cause crankshaft snout runout and harmonic balancer wobble.
Should I replace harmonic balancer bolt?
As long as it’s not over tighten (as with any bolt really) it still can be used. If it’s something as simple as a harmonic balancer bolt I don’t worry about it. Now
if it’s head bolts or main bolts then I
‘ll replace them. Even though they generally can be reused.
Can a harmonic balancer be repaired?
The good news is, the harmonic
balancer can easily be repaired with a kit that usually retails for under $10
.
Is it hard to replace a harmonic balancer?
Replacing a harmonic balancer is a three-step process. In many cases, the
hardest part is removing the center crankshaft bolt
. For that you’ll need the proper 1⁄2-in. drive size socket and an air, electric or battery power impact wrench.
