?:? Something wrong with Explorer Serpentine on 351

[akforsyth]

Well next hiccup in the build is I went to put the harmonic balancer in place, but not all the way to get a test fit and there seems to be a clearance issue. There is a bolt under the lower intake of the water pump going into the timing cover that looks like it is going to interfere with the balancer. Has anyone else run into this problem or is it just me? It's going onto a 351 and tomorrow I am supposed to drop the balancer off to be re balanced, but if this is going to interfere I might have to look at other options. Any insight into this would be appreciated. Cheers

 

[akforsyth]

OK realized that this threat is useless without a couple of pics, so here is what I am talking about:

 

[73azbronco]

explorer balancer or v belt balancer?

i feel for you man, I'm having zero luck myself.

 

[akforsyth]

Explorer, yeah the pics really don't show too much of it I realize!

 

[73stallion]

had to do some massaging on that bolt ear last one i installed, even with stock style balancer.

 

[akforsyth]

OK, sounds good. I think I will drop it off tomorrow and get it rebalanced and have the die grinder ready! Thanks for the replies guys!

 

[Viperwolf1]

It should be ok. That spacing doesn't change on either 302 or 351.

 

[76 bronco J]

>>>> problem is.... the factory bolt with a hex washer head is smaller in diameter than the bolt & washer your using...

 

[barronj]

I'm a major fan of my local bolt supply house. Is it inconceivable to run a socket head bolt (w/ allen drive) in lieu of your current bolt?

Bolt supply house has cured more woes than any auto parts counter employee, for me anyway.

My valve covers are studded. My intake is studded. Anything that studs make life easier for, I'm shopping for it at the bolt supply house.

 

[76 bronco J]

Is it inconceivable to run a socket head bolt (w/ allen drive) in lieu of your current bolt?

>>>> the bolt head isn't a issue, it's just the washer diameter......

 

[akforsyth]

I probably have one of those bolts laying in a bin somewhere here, just need to go look for it. I found two earlier, but those were for the belt tensioner... If not, well the grinder is ma friend!