Fluid Damper- Vibratech vs ???

Good morning gentlemen, This is Paul Bennett with Vibratech TVD. I just wanted to clear up a few things and educate the forum members on dampers, this is not a sales pitch.

@ 3406eStar - PDI & Pittsburgh Power are stocking dealers for Vibratech TVD. The dampers they advertise/sell are manufactured by us. I would highly advise anyone looking to replace their damper to contact either Bruce/Pete @ Pittsburgh Power or Shaun/Jerry @ PDI. They are not re packaged or modified in any way. Vibratech recommends replacing the crankshaft damper every 500,000-600,000 miles. Once the damper is used for 500,000+ miles it's ability to self-tune to any RPM range diminishes. The silicone inside of the damper is 45,000 times thicker than 30W motor oil and is clear in color when new. If used past recommended amount, the silicone could start to polymerize and turn black in color. If left unattended, the silicone will polymerize into a solid paste and lock the internal inertia ring (the ring rotates freely inside the damper housing). This is true with all heavy duty viscous dampers.

@ JohnP3 - Viscous crankshaft dampers operate at any RPM range which is vital seeing as torsional vibrations occur at all engine RPM's. Torsional vibration is created each time the piston travels through the cylinder. A torque spike is created from the air fuel mixture combustion, this combustion creates a torque spike which is then applied to the piston/connecting rod and then the crankshaft. Even if a driver operates under 1800 RPM's, the crankshaft/main bearings/accessory drives/etc. will still feel the damaging effects of torsional vibration. Torsional vibration "may" be less severe at 1800 RPM & less, but they still occur.

@SmokinCAT - I would not advise this. The balancer ring does not help eliminate torsional vibration like the damper. The balancer (which has mercury in it) helps balance the entire rotating assembly. This includes the crankshaft, rods, clutch and flywheel. This helps smooth out the engine, but like I said it does not help with torsional vibration.

Vibratech TVD is the inventor of viscous damper technology and we have been manufacturing dampers in the U.S.A. since 1946. Viscous dampers are one of the most important engine components and come stock on almost all class 8 truck/stationary/power generators/locomotive and many more engines.

I apologize for the long post but I hope you find it informative. If anyone has any questions please post here or feel free to email or contact me, my information is below.

Email - Paul.Bennett@hbpllc.com
Ph: 716-592-1000

 

Are you saying that it won't work with the stock style damper, I don't plan on just running the ring by its self.

 

@SmokinCat - The mercury filled balancer ring will work with the stock/aftermarket damper just fine. The balancer mounts behind the damper and helps with balancing the rotating assembly. The damper helps with eliminating torsional vibration and prevent crank twist.

 

Thanks for the info kalipbean. I bought a Vibratech from KLM Performance last year and will be buying two more shortly. Cheap insurance in my opinon.

 

Thanks for the info also. I too got a brand new vibratech in a box goin on within the next couple days

 

Can you change it without removing the radiator etc.?

 

I did my 3406 without removing anything. Was a tight fit though. Get someone to help lift it in and out, it's heavy. Also, there should be a marking on your old one, take a paint pen and mark the old damper and hub before removing so you can install the new one in the correct position.