Are the 5.9 balancer's known to be problematic? The one I have has 185,000 miles 2000 model...... It looks fine, other then a groove from the seal . Trying to save some money, as I have already spent more then planned.....
Thinking about using one of the repair sleeves rather then replacing the balancer.
Would like to hear some opinions.
Thanks

 

Are you referring to where it mates to the seal on the timing cover? If it's not leaking or leaking just a little, I'd leave it. If you already have it out, it's just 60 bucks from rockauto and there's a discount here on the forum. If the rubber is really cracked and dry it's also worth replacing. Another trick, if the seal wore a groove in the balancer, is to install it "slightly" out from it's original depth, OR, if putting in a new seal, install that slightly out from its original position in the cover so as to ride on the balancer in a new position.

 

Some folks like the repair sleeves, other folks.... (me included) not so much. I have never been able to get one to go on properly, and actually seal.

If yours is original, the rubber between the inner out out rings is likely severely degraded....... but, I have seen them last over 200K miles as well....

But, not like it is difficult to change, even with the engine installed. So, try the sleeve, see if it works, if it does, great, if it doesn't, replace the balancer. (and seal....)

 

Thanks to both of you for your advice. I believe I will just replace it. Kinda crazy not to after a rebuild.

Can you point me to the rock auto discount?

Thanks again

 

Right here.

 

Thanks for the link!