BlackStallion5.0

Hey All,

I just rebuilt my '88 302 from the ground up this past fall (will post pics) to put back in the stang to hopefully be ready for this spring. The old balancer looked to be easily 20 years old and I decided to replace it as we'll. I was lucky enough to be at Summit Racing over in Ohio and found a trickflow Sfi 50oz balancer for 80 bucks, so I couldn't pass it up.

So as per the directions, I heated it up in the oven for 15 minutes @ 250 degrees and took it directly outside and installed it on the crank snout with an installer. I tightened it as far as it would go and it seems there is about 1/4 inch or less keeping the inner diameter of the balancer from being flush with the crank snout.

My question is....is this normal? Or do I need to repeat the process and try again. I've tried to research where this specific balancer should seat and haven't found anything. It looks like it might work where it's at but I am a little weary of trying to start the car with balancer installed improperly.

Is anyone else running this balancer (tfs 19007) and run into the same issue? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

9550

this may not be any help to you at all, but just in case-

assuming the gap you are seeing is incorrect: i have a 95gt. a while back somebody put on a racing balancer and it was rubbing against the bottom of the water pump housing. i dont know what the difference between the 88 and 95 engine configuration is, but hey, who knows, its easy enough to check the clearance. maybe something is blocking the balancer

other than that, i cant help at all

BlackStallion5.0

Thanks for the reply 9550,

The balancer looks to clear the water pump housing just fine and there doesn't appear to be anything else blocking its path. Does anyone know of theres a difference simply because it's an aftermarket balancer? It just wouldn't go any further with the installer. I'm lost here guys lol. Thanks again.

dawson1112

Your probly as far as it will go.

You will know for sure when you get the pulleys and belt on, if the pulleys don't line up that means you need to go further.

Just replaced the sock balancer on my 90 with a stock balancer and the crank snout does not sit flush with the balancer .

BlackStallion5.0

Awesome, I'll give it a try! Thanks guys

Duncan_GT

My 351 was the same way. I don't believe it sat flush, but my pulleys lined up

aode08

once the bolt is tight, thats that, the reason they dont sit flush is to proper serpetine BELT ALIGNMENT