FE harmonic balancer bolt holes ???

[elgecko]

Has anyone run into a different bolt pattern diameter on their FE harmonic balancers?
I have a chrome SFI fluiid balancer on my 390 but the bolt holes do not line up with the March aluminum lower crank pulley. I've tried rotating it but the 3 bolts holes are off about 1/4". The bolt hole circle is smaller on one then the other.
Surely you don't have to enlarge the holes on the pulley!!!
Thanks
Dave
elgecko

[byron w]

Hi Dave,
I bet that your dampner came from Dog place on E-Bay. Mine would not fit either, they were made wrong and the company was very gracious and refunded my money with no problems.
I am going to check with Gessford or DSC when I buy my next one. Also, if your 390 is a street engine you will not want a fluid dampner anyway. I am told they do not work well on the street.
Please post what you find out.
Thanks Byron W.

[elgecko]

Hey Byron,
Your bet was right on.
That explains alot. For the last 6-8 months, I've been collecting parts for the build.
Started building engine and then this happened. I guess i'll contact them and see what happens. It's been 8 months !!!!! Can't blame them if they don't accept it back, but then again, it's a faulty part. I have the paperwork.
I have another balancer with built-on pulley that I will use.
NOW I have a March FE single aluminum crank pulley that I need to sell-BRAND NEW
Thanks for being on top of this. Your experience has helped me figure this one out.
Thanks
Dave
elgecko

[byron w]

Dave,
I still would find a new dampner for a new engine. I have seen the old ones come out of the rubber they are mounted in.
Good luck,
Byron W.

[elgecko]

Oh, the other one I have is new but it just isn't as pretty as that chrome one.
You're right, always use new parts. I emailed MadDog to get info you the return of the balancer.
Dave

[jwoodard]

a Chevrolet bolt pattern. No real harm in elongating the holes in the March pulley to fit the Chevrolet bolt pattern as the pulley is centered by the crank fitting.