Dear sredwine,

Good p.m. and may this find you well. If the harmonic balancer separates, that will surely affect the alternator, a/c compressor, and the power steering pump.

However, the timing belt goes around the crank sprocket, which is keyed onto the crankshaft, and so locked into place. How would a separated balancer affect the position of the timing belt?

I just helped a nephew replace front seals, balancer, timing belt/tensioner, and water pump (90 960T w/B230FT). We marked the sprockets relative to the timing belt case and even so, were careful not to turn shafts, until the new belt was on.

His balancer had failed, but the timing was just fine.

I like your method for being sure about TDC. We used a thumb over the spark plug hole. Your method is far more precise.

Thanks for the tip.

Yours faithfully,

spook