Can a bad harmonic balancer cause engine failure?

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.

What happens if you drive with a bad harmonic balancer?

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.

Can you run an engine without harmonic balancer?

And because the belts that go around the crankshaft pulley run all of the car’s accessories, without the harmonic balancer you’d have no air conditioning, no power steering, no alternator and no water pump. And without it, you can do damage to the crankshaft and the engine bearings.

Can a bad harmonic balancer cause power loss?

These can wear down over time, especially when engine performance modifications are made to increase torque. A failing harmonic balancer can cause catastrophic engine damage.

How do I know if my harmonic balancer has slipped?

There is a scribe mark on the face of the balancer you can see while it is installed. The mark is chiseled across between the center hub and the outer ring. Rotate the engine with a 3/4 wrench and look closely for the mark. If the mark on the hub is not aligned with the mark on the ring then it is slipped.

What happens if crankshaft pulley breaks?

When a crankshaft pulley fails (or the timing belt due to a badly maintained crankshaft pulley), the timing of the engine is completely thrown off. Even a rotation or movement of a few millimetres can start to cause problems in a system so precise.

How do you test for a bad 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.

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.

Can you drive without a pulley?

If it was the crank pulley, such could fall off (eventually) and if it does cause a fair amount of damage if it happens while the engine is running. Indeed, if it’s the crank pulley and the harmonic balancer comes off with it and the engine continues to run that can damage the crankshaft. That would be very bad.

Can a bad harmonic balancer cause transmission problems?

While reading online about potential damage caused by a bad harmonic balancer, I found that it can seriously damage your transmission.

Can a bad harmonic balancer cause overheating?

The constant twist/untwist movement, causes the rubber to heat. The most damaging cause, would be engine overheating. That extra heat can dramatically accelerate, deterioration of the rubber isolation ring.

What would cause a harmonic balancer to break?

Over time, the crankshaft harmonic balancer can go bad from constant exposure to chemicals, the elements, or from old age. If this happens, the crankshaft may develop cracks and ultimately fail.

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