Harmonic balancer

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Cat sdp, Dec 22, 2014.

  1. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Ok so my radiator has to come out...... Question is with 420,000 miles on a c-15 do I replace the balancer now??

    I've always heard do it a 500k.....
     
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  3. PurplePete

    PurplePete Light Load Member

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    I know what's posted on the internet but it doesn't hurt to call a Cat dealer for their documented service schedule.
     
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  4. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Replace it now, it would be easier with the radiator out anyway. While your at it, take a good look at your water pump.
     
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  5. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    Vibration damper is what most manufacturers call it .. According to Bruce and kr they are toast inside after 500k but most shops say don't bother changing it but guys who do notice a improvement in idle
     
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  6. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    I believe vibrateck (or something like that) makes both the pp and pdi ones. We'll see tomorrow ... Tks
     
  7. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Cat house service manager says don't change it, unless it's the old 2 piece kind(black rubber gasket around it)..... But would not say what the replacement interval for the viscous one is....

    My cat mechanic who I trust more than cat says leave it........ So it's going to stay.
     
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  8. JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

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    Cat Dampers, to test remove it and bounce it on the tire if it rattles it is junk other than being bent it is good to go, the Damper does nothing at low RPM it is made to remove harmonics above 1750 RPM.
     
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  9. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I replace mine with the Vibratec for a piece of mind. Old one had over a million, so figure what the heck, besides, my engine ain't stock. One of many engine techs I keep in touch with, also said what JohnP3 said, "leave it", But I never listen....... My Cat head had single springs, with the increase power they told me it would ok, I didn't listen, I install the double spring kit. I CALL IT "INSURANCE".
     
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  10. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    I would contend that they are not vibration dampers but torsional dampers. They absorb the torsional stresses on the crankshaft that are generated at all RPM's and especially under high power conditions. You want to take out vibrational stuff, then a crankshaft balancer is the ticket, and those are totally a aftermarket add on thing. The crankshaft damper absorbs the stress on the crankshaft, the balancer moderates vibrational inconsistencies.

    Now that being said, without actually cutting open a crankshaft damper, there is no way to determine correctly if it is doing the job or is needing replaced. You cannot tell if the silicon damper material that the damper ring rides on is still viable inside the damper housing. There is no inspection port or such to check. But those that have done all the background stuff on this have determined, a crankshaft damper should be replaced at around 500,000 miles. Some engine owners manuals also state the same thing, but then, seems anymore that many owners can't even find their owners manual let alone actually read it. That is the primary reason we get all this anecdotal "this is the way we have always done it before" type of mechanical advise. And it seems many mechanics and supervisors can't even get engine coolants right, let alone be a expert on crankshaft dampers.

    Some think that spending extra money on adding goo to their oil or a host of other things that are hocked at truck shows and what not are good insurance to make their engine last. They have no problem spending money on stuff that is questionable as to whether it works or not, CB radios that can reach Moscow, RU, looking like a rolling casino going down the road with a million lights on the truck, yet they want to play the role of some sort of bean counting miser regarding stuff like a crankshaft damper that is a major player on engine wear and longevity. Go figure.
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2014
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  11. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Ya there's no replacement info in the cat owners manual .... It says ask your certified cat service dealer...

    Anyways radiator is back in.... Balancer is on next years Christmas list with turbos .

    Ho Ho Ho!!
     
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