Harmonic balancer.

[DickWells]

If you were replacing your harmonic balancer on your 6.5, would you simply order up a factory original, or would you spring for one of the after market specials (fluid, or, whatever they are)?

My HB hadn't even entered my mind, for years, but, after removing the serp belt, looking for a rattle, my balancer entered my mind, big-time.

Advice?

[arveetek]

I replaced mine with a genuine GM brand. The Fluidamper model is nice, but boy is it expensive!

Definitely a good idea to check the condition of the balancer; if there's any cracked, missing, or bulging rubber, I would definitely replace. The rubber damper pulley also needs inspected for the same reasons. When it fails, it can make an awful noise as well. But when the harmonic balancer fails, it can take out the engine!

Casey

[Yukon6.2]

I sprung for a Fluidamper for my Frankntruck build...
I have a new stock one on my shelf for a 6.5 in case i see any issues with one of mine.
If i had a bunch of money in a custom build i may spring for one again.

[DickWells]

Thank you. I'm inclined to go with a FD. No special reason, except that I've read that you can actually feel the difference. Harking back to when I went for Phazer Gears, even though the T-chain wasn't loose, I was very impressed with how much more "solid" the engine felt.
Heck, in a year or so, the extra $400+ might have just slipped my mind, just like the extra $400 I'll have spent on eggs, through 2024 - - on.

[Yukon6.2]

If we end up starting to put a lot of road miles on the Burb i may spring for one as the block does have a crack.
I also want to add the manual 4X4 cable front diff engager

[More Power]

Dick, just a few years ago there were cheap Chinese knock-off 6.5 dampers for sale here in the US, and I heard from a couple of buyers who reported that the outer ring peeled off theirs shortly after installation. That's obviously bad... The key indicator for the "cheap" versions was that they are/were half the price of those from GM or even Dorman. Nowadays, I don't know if GM is still offering them, but I recommend not letting the lowest price be your guide... Use a reputable company with a good track record (no eBay damper).

I like the FD, but you're right, they are expensive - the 6.5 in Sarah's Blazer runs exceptionally smooth. I could have installed the original 187,000 mile factory damper during the build. It was still OK, but I had the FD on the shelf. I would have been tempted to re-install the OE damper if I didn't already have the FD - but, this was a build that didn't compromise quality for the budget.

Jim

[DickWells]

Well, I ordered a HB from Rock Auto. A stock replacement; best one they had, if you can believe the data. Bonded rubber. Wish me luck. Ordered a new pulley for the serp-belt tensioner, too. The old one is dead smooth, but had some play. I remember replacing the bearing in it, myself, ???many years ago. So, my reasoning was that my DIY bearing replacement, with a sealed bearing of unknown pedigree and age, might be too close to EOL to ignore.

[More Power]

Well, I ordered a HB from Rock Auto. A stock replacement; best one they had, if you can believe the data. Bonded rubber. Wish me luck. Ordered a new pulley for the serp-belt tensioner, too. The old one is dead smooth, but had some play. I remember replacing the bearing in it, myself, ???many years ago. So, my reasoning was that my DIY bearing replacement, with a sealed bearing of unknown pedigree and age, might be too close to EOL to ignore.

One thing to consider about the FD is that it has an unlimited lifespan, barring physical damage. There's nothing to wear out or disintegrate over time. The FD damper will retain a lot of its secondary market value.