Replace Harmonic Balancer and Crank Pulley?

[FordFarmer]

Hi Folks,

I'm at the end of day 1 on a VA AC install. While on my back fitting the condenser I noticed some possible problems. Specifically it looks to me like the crank pulley has some corrosion damage/chips and the balancer appears to have the same and maybe some compromised rubber. I've got some pics below for y'all to check out. I'd rather not replace them (time issue, not money...this time). However I'll do the job if I have too. My engine is so dirty right now I'm having a hard time not tearing the whole thing apart for a re-gasket but it's my daily driver so a little at a time is the name of the game. Thanks for the help.

 

[OldBarnBronco]

My balancer looks about like yours, maybe a little worse. I look forward to what the experts have to say.

 

[bronco t]

They are all cracked like that, and after 40 years I would be too.

Call me silly, but I would replace it and the seal while it was accessible. Nothing like being sorry you didn't later.

 

[cldonley]

Never had a balancer fail, except on a 8000 rpm racing motor. I wouldn't sweat it unless you just want to.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Never had a balancer fail, except on a 8000 rpm racing motor. I wouldn't sweat it unless you just want to.

Mine came off on a camping trip. No damage done. It just rattled around, held in place by the crank pulley. We stopped and pulled off the ring and completed the trip without it. I didn't replace the balancer for three years when I needed to check the timing.

 

[73azbronco]

Looks fine, run it.