I just had my 350 rebuilt at a shop in Dallas, Texas called Blaines Motor Supply. I paid for a premium long block package which included upgraded cams but to my knowledge the original crankshaft was only cleaned.

I got all new gaskets and seals from them and a new chrome timing chain cover.

Now when I tried to put the original harmonic balancer on with the original bolt the inside threads stripped out. I re-tapped it and got the balancer on with about 60lbs of torque but it only goes on about half way.

I did notice that my old block had a single chain and when I got it back it had a double sprocket and chain.

What in the world could possibly be going on here?

See pictures,
Thanks

 

The harmonic damper is a very tight press fit onto the crank. DO NOT pull it on just by cranking a bolt into the crank, or you take a big chance of stripping out the threads....like you just did. Use the proper installation tool, and it should pull on. Places like AutoZone loan the tool out for free. But first, make sure there aren't any burrs on the crank or inside the hole of the damper.

 

Also I recommend checking the key in the crank to make sure it didn't pop out and is possibly keeping the dampner from going on.

Happend to me before, just sayin'.

 

Well it looks like it was on as far as it should go in the picture. I had a mechanic buddy of mine come over and we put the water pump and other pulley's on and they all lined up correctly.

Talked to the motor shop and they confirmed as well, guess I was just over-thinking it.

Learned a lesson about the proper installation method though,
Thanks guys

 

When you try it again make sure all is clean also check key way.if you can locate long bolt screw it in all the way, use a nut and washer to push it on striaght.good luck.