Help: Small Chip on Crank Pulley 1998 Tacoma 3.4L

Hi Tacomaworld,

While removing the Main Crank Pulley from my 1998 Tacoma, I managed to crack the lip of the outer edge. Can I file it to smooth it out or should I replace it completely?

Thanks,
Charlie

 

I would file the sharp edges off and run it. I don't think enough material is missing to cause a balance issue and the belt shouldn't be bothered by it either.

 

Thanks Golfcarz!

Does anyone else have additional input?

_Charlie

 

As long as it isn't sharp that wouldn't bother me. If the balancer has any other bad wear then it might be time for a new one anyway but I think you could run that safely.

 

Thanks Zane,
Would it make any sense to file a small amount of metal off the other side 180 degrees away to help balance it?

_Charlie

 

It would make more sense to just buy a new balancer if it worries you. I would only worry about it eating a belt if it was catty wompus.

 

That makes sense. I guess my main worry is that an out of balance pulley might cause crankshaft wear over time. Is this reasonable or is it so small that it is negligible. Also, if I do replace it would you go OEM or aftermarket?

_Charlie

 

Eh, I highly doubt it would wear out the crankshaft, being that it is isolated from the crankshaft by a huge chuck of rubber, that's why it is called a harmonic balancer. If it was out of balance it would just throw belt, shake a very little bit and maybe squeak. I would go OEM for a harmonic balancer.

 

i think i have one sitting around from my JDM - I can't recall if I replaced it because it was different or because I had it apart already.

Yours for shipping cost if you want it