tobytigger

My '99 F23A1 was built in Japan and harmonic balancer is vibrating bad when idling. I replaced it with a Dorman in 2012 but it's failing already. In 2012 I didn't catch the fine print about it being for US built models. The odd thing is no matter what auto parts site I search, the Dorman part is what comes up as the correct part for an EX sedan, F23A1. The "US built" spec is in the fine print on some sites and not on others. There are only a couple of aftermarket pulleys and most everyone sells the Dorman. There is no aftermarket pulley I can find that covers a Japan built, so my question is does anyone know if the Japan part is really different? I've been to the junkyard and they all look the same for this generation including the Japan built. This time around I want to replace with the correct part - preferably not from the dealer - and I am curious to know what's up with US built when the engines are the same F23's whether the car was built here or in Japan.

MAD_MIKE

Balance and timing wise, nothing.
It's a 0 balance damper, and any timing marks will be the same for TDC and base ignition timing.
If you find a good used unit in the yarde, snag it.
Dorman is very hit/miss. Sometimes you can get a screaming deal, othertimes it pure fodder.
Choices are...
Good used.
New(Honda)
ATI

Original dampers don't normally fail.
Two things that will kill a damper are overtightened belts placing unwanted strain on the elastomer or someone using a chaing tongs to hold the pulley rather than the correct Honda crank tool. Or chemical/heat damage to the elastomer(usually from an overzealous mechanic) when removing the pulley for a timing belt service.