Rb26 Standard Harmonic Balancer Warped?

[wild31]

Hi my car currently looks like this.

Now I was stuffing around before, and put a socket n ratchet on the nut to the power steer pump, and just wanted to see if it turned, now it did turn, though it seemed to have a tight spot, and would cause the belt to slip until I got it back the the looser spot, I have not touched the adjustment, note: it is the only belt connected ATM though.

My question, is the balancer slightly warped/bent? Is this a common problem, or is this something internally?

[GTRsean]

Compression stroke?

[GTRPSI]

Run a dial indicator on it to check.

Having said that the belt will stretch, it think GTRsean is on the money.....

[MrStabby]

If the plugs are still in then its normal - compression stroke as Sean says. You're compressing air so it becomes harder to turn. If the plugs are out, then it should be pretty constant resistance to turning.

[wild31]

Ahuh, that all makes sense. I'm no mechanic, just seemed strange to me but it all sounds like logic to me. Thanks fellas.

[533 RYC]

^ +1 to the above posts. Just put a socket & bar on the balancer bolt & turn it over, much better than trying to turn the engine over via auxiliary driven components.