Is the harmonic blancer required?

[Jim Jans]

To make room when I install the ’92 KA 2.4 motor in my MG I need to remove the harmonic balancer pully (3rd pully) is that wise?  Will the motor be affected by the lack of not using that outer pully with the harmonic balancer.    I only need the middle pully for the water pump and alternator.

 

Thank you

Jim

'58 ZB Magnette

[datzenmike]

 I think as the displacement gets up there it's needed to dampen torsional vibrations. You won't feel them but the crankshaft will. If running a belt driven alternator and water pump these will absorb as well. The flywheel or torque converter will also absorb. Probably can run without if at reasonable rev ranges.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

I believe he is talking about leaving the harmonic balancer and removing just the outermost pulley groove. I can't remember if it is a bolted on pulley or if it's cast into the balancer. Either way, as long as the balancer portion is intact, the pulley is superfluous.

[datzenmike]

Yup, maybe trim the pulley on a lathe.

[Jim Jans]

 

I guess I could investigate cutting the 3^rd pulley off on a lathe and just install the harmonic balancer.  I'll check it out in the morning and see what can be done.

 

Thank you.

 

Jim

[datzenmike]

It's there for a Nissan reason. Not on the smaller L series engines so perhaps displacement dictates it's use. Some larger engines have balance shafts.