Frequently Asked Questions
A. What is crankshaft torsional vibration?
Every time the engine fires it makes the crankshaft twist as well as spin. After every twist
the crank rebounds. This twist/rebound cycle is known as torsional vibration. If not dampned, torsional vibration can cause rapid bearing and crank journal wear, leading also to broken crankshafts and other problems.
B. What's wrong with a stock damper?
Stock dampers are tuned for maximum effectiveness with a stock assembly running at low rpm's. When the pistons, connecting rods, or crankshaft are changed or modified, or normal rpm
range is increased, the effectiveness of a stock damper is reduced.
C. What causes the inertia ring on a stock damper to move on a high performance street application?
In a stock damper, inertia ring slippage is usually due to deterioration of the rubber strip. As the stock damper ages, the rubber strip begins to crack and lose its grip, in essence
it becomes "overworked." Also, rubber is a poor dissipator of heat. The more severe the crankshaft vibration, the more heat builds up. This causes the damping characteristics to change, which over
time could lead to damper failure.
D. Can the timing marks move?
No. Timing
marks are etched on the housing and cannot move. Inertia ring slippage is a common problem with stock dampers and is also a sign that harmonic vibrations are not being properly controlled.
E. How do you tell the difference between externally and internally balanced motors?
On internally balanced engines, there is no counterweight on the damper. An externally balanced engine will have the counterweight on the backside of the damper.
F. Will Vector dampers solve an out-of-balance condition?
No damper will do this. The vibration damper is designed to reduce crankshaft torsional vibrations, not to balance the motor.
G. What is the proper press-fit of my damper?
Proper press-fit is .0005 - .0015. A hammer should
never be used to install a damper.. A threaded installation tool presses the damper in place evenly without putting stress on the threads in the crank snout.