350 engine questions

[KK]

I have a goodwrench crate motor. Should I use the existing harmonic balancer or buy new? Also, when pre oiling which direction should the distributor shaft turn in the oil pump looking from the top? (CW or CCW?.

 

[plowking35]

clockwise on the oil pre prime.
If the damper looks worn at all get a new one, but if it looks in good shape, go ahead and use it.
Dino

 

[KK]

I heard that the rubber in the balancer deteriorates over time and can throw the timing mark off. So I bought a new one. As for preoiling, I should turn the crank some after the oil is flowing right?

 

[John DiMartino]

Even if you turned the dist, the wrong way,it wouldnt hurt snything,it just would gurgle a little,you'l know when it starts pumping,thats about the time your drill will bog right down,prelube until oil is coming out all the tips of the pushrods/rockers and running down into the ball socket area of the rockers.the balancer,i would replace if the rubber is cracked at all,an old balancer will shorten the life of a new engine if its worn,they are not to expensive.

 

[KK]

This is a new engine so I decided to put a new damper on it. I plan to keep the old engine pretty much complete when I pull it and possibly rebuild it someday since it is relatively good and has 4-bolt mains. Thanks for your help guys.