What is this part called?

[JG1966]

What is the 4-inch wide, 1 inch tall circular metal "spacer" that goes between the timing chain cover and the harmonic balancer on a 68 340 called? It has the thick felt gasket inside it. Mine is mangled and I can't for the life of me find one. Mainly because I don't know what they called. Thanks

 

[4spdragtop]

Inside that is a "felt" donut. It is supposed to absorb oil if there is a leak at the front seal. The felt part is replaceable.

 

[4spdragtop]

Felt doughnut on balancer

 

[JG1966]

Inside that is a "felt" donut. It is supposed to absorb oil if there is a leak at the front seal. The felt part is replaceable.

Thanks. I have replacement felt donuts. But I need the piece it goes inside. What is that called?

 

[eekvonzipper]

What's Mangled about it?

 

[JG1966]

What's Mangled about it?

It's worn and cracked and I believe it is spinning -- when it should stay put -- and causing a bad squeal

 

[4spdragtop]

I thought it was actually attached to factory balancer?

 

[rumblefish360]

It should be attached. Dust shield?

 

[JG1966]

I thought it was actually attached to factory balancer?

Thanks 4spd. I have an aftermarket harmonic balancer and it didn't come with the part in question. So it's actually part of the factory balancer? That would explain why I can't find one. Mine definitely is not attached to the balancer

 

[Fawkes]

My factory balancer has that part permanently attached to it. I dont believe its intended to be removed or replaced

 

[brian6pac]

Aftermarket does not use them. You don't really need it.

 

[JG1966]

My factory balancer has that part permanently attached to it. I dont believe its intended to be removed or replaced

Thanks Fawkes. Does that mean when someone uses an aftermarket balancer (which don't seem to come with the dust shield, at least mine didn't), they just run it without the dust shield and the large felt donut? I'm sure lots of guys use aftermarket balancers. Is the dust shield and felt donut optional?

 

[JG1966]

Aftermarket does not use them. You don't really need it.

Thanks Brian. You posted right before my last post

 

[4spdragtop]

Yeah theres pros and cons with the felt donut. I've never seen an aftermarket balancer with one.

 

[4spdragtop]

If the dust shield is toast, take a good look at original balancer and make sure it's good. 50 yr old part

 

[RustyRatRod]

It's not made to the balancer, it's pressed on. You're probably right. They do crack. With today's modern seals, you really don't need them. As mentioned, non of the aftermarket balancers come with them. Its real intent was to keep dust and dirt from getting INTO the seal from outside.

 

[rumblefish360]

The fit should be a very low clearance fit between the balanced and the seal in the cover. When assembly comes around, many instructions say to lube the seal with oil. That should tell you something.

 

[JG1966]

If the dust shield is toast, take a good look at original balancer and make sure it's good. 50 yr old part

Thanks 4spd. The original balancer is definitely NOT good. That's why I swapped to an aftermarket. Idiot me, thought the dust shield was supposed to transfer over, so I pulled it off and put it on the new balancer.

 

[4spdragtop]

No idiot in thinking it would swap over. I understand your reasoning. One other thing with mopar sb aftermarket balancers. They all come with timing marks oriented on drivers side(which is 70+). If your 68 is original your timing cover will have marks on pass side? Is this the case? If so you will need to remark your new balancer AFTER finding true tdc.
Heres my new Trickflow balancer. I need to remark it.

Thanks 4spd. The original balancer is definitely NOT good. That's why I swapped to an aftermarket. Idiot me, thought the dust shield was supposed to transfer over, so I pulled it off and put it on the new balancer.

 

[JG1966]

No idiot in thinking it would swap over. I understand your reasoning. One other thing with mopar sb aftermarket balancers. They all come with timing marks oriented on drivers side(which is 70+). If your 68 is original your timing cover will have marks on pass side? Is this the case? If so you will need to remark your new balancer AFTER finding true tdc.
Heres my new Trickflow balancer. I need to remark it.


View attachment 1715748257

View attachment 1715748258

Thanks 4spd. The motor is a 68, but it's in a 72 RR and everything is orientated for a 72. Timing cover has timing marks on the driver's side, water pump has bottom hose on passenger side, etc. The balancer has been on the engine for three years and the dust shield was never an issue....until it was. I will say this. I really wish I'd bought a black balancer. The silver one I got from Summit got surface rust on it after a year. I had to pull it and clean it up and clear coat it. That is a very nice balancer you have!