I have experience with the GM3300, excellent engine, HB DOES go bad around 150,000 or so, the rubber dries out, cracks and chunks start flying off, the pulley itself is not hard to change, you can go to the scrap yard and get one off another 3300 too, or use the cheap flex seal method
backyard mechanics 101
Get a second opinion and DO NOT mention a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g about a harmonic balancer.
See what somebody else says first.
Harmonic balancers are not usually the part that is going bad in most scenarios.
Something far easier, like a valve spring, can be the culprit and a difference of $1500-$3000.
The part *is* hard to come by, and the money for the tear-down, installation,
and rebuild is usually prohibitive.
Get a second opinion before you do anything .... and if the verdict turns out to be the same,
determine the best price & turnover time if you are going to be keeping your *Gem* !!! --- Good Luck To You
Harmonic balancer evens out the vibrations made by the crankshaft as it turns.Does your car shake while it's running?Any vibrations when in idle?If you don't then the HB is fine and you need to get a second opinion.Don't mention anything about the previous mechanic's diagnosis.Good Luck!
I'd get a second opinion. I THINK that engine is externally balanced, balancer not hard to replace, but generally won't make noise, just a vibration that increases with engine speed.
That car is externally balanced I think. It is located behind your crank pulley. Start your car and watch your crank pulley to see if it is moving up and down or side to side bad. Is your car vibrating really bad too? If so, then the mechanic might be right. If it isn't moving and no vibrations, i'd go to another shop.
Recently my car started making noise. I had a mechanic look at it and he said something about a harmonic balancer needing to replace and that if I could get the part he could replace it. Unfortunately I know NOTHING about engines. I know my car is a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S and that the motor has a big 3300 on it, but other than that I know nothing. Can anybody help me find the part???
