Recently, I changed the timing belt on my 92 Honda Civic. In the process, I broke the original harmonic balancer (20 years old) while breaking the retaining bolt loose. After replacing it with an aftermarket part, I've noticef that the new harmonic balancer fits loosely on the crank shaft snout. I thought the problem may have been a worn out woodruff key, but after replacing it, I can still rock the balancer 1/16 of an inch to either left or right with the key inserted. I can also pull the balancer off the snout with no effort. The original harmonic balancer fit very tightly, and it was difficult to remove, and to slide the woodruff key into the keyway. My question is, is the harmonic balancer defective, or is the snout on the crankshaft just worn out. There's no play between the key and the crankshaft snout keyway, just between the balancer and snout. I'm an amateur, just getting started at doing my own servicing, and don't want to a lot of money replacing parts out of ignorance. Thanks for your time.

 

Sounds like wherever you bought the harmonic balancer gave you the wrong part. Did you check the part number?

 

I didn't check. I just filled out the model of my car on their website, and ordered the one they suggested. It looks exactly like the old one, and I stacked them on top of each other to kind of check if they were the same, and they matched, as far as I could tell at the time. It's supposed to fit on the snout tightly by itself, right? Or was I supposed to put some time of loctite on it?

 

It should fit as tughtly as the original did. I would reccomend getting an oem one. If it doesnt work correctly youll need a new bottom end before you know it

 

That's what I figured. I've read that a loose balancer will tear the crankshaft apart. Thanks.