Fluidampr FAQs - Fluidampr Harmonic Fluid Dampers

Fluidampr Products and Fluidampr FAQs:

What is the proper press fit for Fluidampr?

Proper press fit is .0005 - .0015". Maintenance of a proper press fit between the damper i.d. and the crank snout o.d. is critical for damper performance. That's why a hammer should never be used to install a damper. Pounding can cock the damper on the snout causing the i.d. to open up. It can also cause wallowing out of the bore, or the damper spinning on the crank. A threaded installation tool presses the damper in place evenly without putting stress on the threads in the crank snout.

I have not seen a damper for my application, could you custom make one?

No. Due to the vast number of engine specifications influencing the characteristics of torsional vibration and the time involved in properly fitting and testing a damper/engine combination, it is far too expensive for most users to contract Vibratech to custom engineer dampers for specific applications.

Should Fluidampr or Streetdampr be used in supercharged applications?

Yes. Fluidampr or Streetdampr can be used in these power plants. Since Fluidampr and Streetdampr are constructed of steel, they are stronger than a stock damper and may be able to withstand the side loads generated by the supercharger and drive belt to drive a supercharger. A second keyway is recommended. Fluidampr does offer a damper with the dual keyway already machined. Call (716) 592-1000 for details.

I had this damper on an engine several years ago or my Fluidampr/ Streetdampr has been sitting on the shelf while I have been finishing my engine. Will the part need inspection or testing?

No. The inertia ring is always freely floating inside the housing. The silicone fluid is guaranteed to last forever. As long as the damper was never physically abused (hit with a hammer), installed properly with an installer tool or a bolt and washer, and as long as the damper maintains a tight press fit on the crankshaft, there is nothing that can go wrong with the damper. It is important to check for corrosion or pitting on the seal surface of the damper, before installation. The seal surface should be smooth and free from rust and corrosion. As with most any performance part, if it is physically damaged from an accident or a fire, the damper should be replaced.

Does the Fluidampr or Streetdampr require "warm-up" before use?

No. The silicone fluid in the damper will deliver consistent performance over the entire range of operating temperatures in any operating environment that the damper will encounter.

Does temperature affect the function of Fluidampr/Streetdampr?

Silicone fluid is a very good damping medium because it is relatively unaffected by temperature changes. It provides consistent damping in both winter and summer. The fluid will not deteriorate if the Fluidampr/Streetdampr is not used for a period of time.

What is the proper press fit for the New Aluminum Signature Series Fluidampr's?

The proper diametrical press fit for aluminum Fluidampr part numbers 630102 and 630112 is .001" to .0025".

I have an early small block Chevrolet with a crankshaft that does not have a damper bolt. Can I install a Fluidampr or Streetdampr without the bolt?

We do not recommend the installation of Fluidampr or Streetdampr without a damper bolt. Personal and/or property damage could result. The crank needs to be properly drilled and tapped. This procedure requires the crank to be removed from the engine. The proper torque for the bolt is 70 ft.-lbs.

Can I convert my externally balanced Big Block Chevy Fluidampr, into an internally balanced Chevy Big Block Fluidampr?

Yes, there are ways to do this. You can either machine the counterweight off to make the damper neutrally/ internally balanced or you can unbolt the existing counterweighted hub and replace with the neutrally/internally balanced hub part number 100001*. Hubs are available through your Fluidampr dealer. *Make sure your Fluidampr has 3/8" x 24 UNF socket head cap screws, if the bolts are a different design, this modification cannot be made because it is an older design and the hubs are not interchangeable. The old style hubs have been discontinued and are no longer available.

Can I convert my internally balanced Big Block Chevy Fluidampr, into an externally balanced Chevy Big Block Fluidampr?

Yes, unbolt the existing hub and replace with externally balanced hub p/n 100002*. Hubs are available through your Fluidampr dealer. *Make sure your Fluidampr has 3/8" x 24 UNF socket head cap screws, if the bolts are a different design, this modification cannot be made because it is an older design and the hubs are not interchangeable. The old style hubs have been discontinued and are no longer available.

Can I convert my externally balanced Small Block Chevy Fluidampr, into an internally balanced Chevy Small Block Fluidampr?

Yes, machine off the existing counterweight to convert it to internally/neutrally balanced.

Can I convert my internally balanced Small Block Chevy Fluidampr, into an externally balanced Chevy Small Block Fluidampr?

No, the internally balanced units are a one-piece design and the hubs cannot be modified.

What is the difference between Fluidampr and Streetdampr?

Fluidampr is SFI accepted, which is a requirement for many racing sanction bodies. This means that it will not explode at 12,500 rpm. Fluidampr is designed to withstand the most severe racing applications. Fluidampr's exterior is coated with a black zinc chromate finish and is degreed in 2 degree increments from 0 to 50, with additional marks at 90, 180, and 270 degrees (except Ford Small Block Fluidampr). Fluidampr is recommended for high performance race and street applications, but can be used on mild street engines as well.

Streetdampr is a low cost version of Fluidampr. Streetdampr is designed for mild street applications and for racing applications, which do not require an SFI accepted damper. It is designed as a replacement for the stock damper. Streetdamprs are shipped with a rust preventative and should be painted before installation. They are degreed from 0 to 40 in 2 degree increments. Streetdampr's are designed for extremely long life in mild and medium performance engines.

When should I upgrade from Streetdampr to Fluidampr?

If your engine is running at high rpm, Fluidampr is the best choice. Fluidampr is also required, if your race sanction body requires the use of an SFI accepted damper. If you are replacing your factory stock damper on a mild street and mild race application, the low cost Streetdampr will work just fine. If the application requires crank trigger ignition, use Fluidampr. A crank trigger wheel will not fit on Streetdampr.

Can I powder coat my Streetdampr or Fluidampr?

Streetdampr is shipped uncoated with a rust inhibitor and requires a finish before installation. Powder coating is not recommended, due to the need to bake the finish on at sustained high temperatures. Temperatures in excess of 280° F will damage Streetdampr's nylon bearing strips on the inertia ring and Fluidampr's nylon coated flywheel. The damper ring should never be exposed to temperatures exceeding 280° F.

When should a street enthusiast consider replacing his stock damper?

If any engine work has been done which changes the any rotating or reciprocating mass then the stock damper will no longer be properly tuned. Installing a Fluidampr or Streetdampr will damp all destructive torsional engine vibrations providing maximum protection for vital engine components.

The most obvious sign of a problem with the stock damper is movement of the inertia ring, which can cause inaccurate timing settings. If this movement continues unchecked, there is a good possibility the ring could actually come off potentially causing engine compartment damage.

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 could lead to damper failure over time.

How do you tell the difference between external and internally balanced motors?

On internally balanced engines, there is no counterweight on the damper. The damper is completely neutral (zero) balanced. An externally balanced engine will have an obvious counterweight on the backside of the damper and the flywheel.

Will Fluidampr solve an out of balance condition?

No damper will compensate for an out of balance condition. The vibration damper is designed to reduce crankshaft torsional vibrations, not to balance the motor. It is a common misconception that a damper will "fix" an imbalance condition in the motor. This is absolutely not true. Only a professional balance job will solve that problem.

Why can't Fluidampr or Streetdampr be spun on a balance machine?

Balancing a crankshaft with the Fluidampr or Streetdampr is not recommended. The Fluidampr (or its damper ring) and the Streetdampr contain an inertia ring that can rotate inside. This inertia ring is balanced to very close tolerance specifications at the factory but may not be to perfect "zero" balance. When the damper is spun on a balance machine, this inertia ring may rotate inside the damper and the operator may be chasing this small imbalance while attempting to balance the crankshaft.

When the damper is installed and run on a combustion engine, the shear forces on the silicone fluid inside the damper from the torsional moments of the engine crankshaft, centers the inertia ring on its bearings. A balance machine does not generate torsional shear forces and the inertia ring may not be completely centered in its bearing clearance gaps.( IT WILL BE CENTERED AND IN BALANCE WHILE RUNNING ON AN ENGINE )

Where is Fluidampr and Streetdampr manufactured?

Horschel Motorsports Springville, NY, USA.

Why should I steer clear of cheap Fluidampr/Streetdampr imitations?

Don't be fooled by a product that looks like Fluidampr or Streetdampr and is even advertised as "Fluid Damper." The bottom line is this product is a cheap imitation. These imitations are not manufactured to Fluidampr's exacting tolerances and are not backed by Fluidampr's exclusive money back guarantee. Vibratech's evaluation of these viscous damper imitations has shown an inadequate fluid fill, making imitations less than effective at controlling crankshaft vibration. They are inappropriately packaged, which could cause damage in transit and rusting. Genuine Fluidampr and Streetdampr brands are always advertised with a registered trademark or the well-known logos, and are stamped with the brand name on the outer diameter of the product and on the packaging.

Will the silicone fluid wear out over time?

The fluid inside the Fluidampr will NEVER deteriorate in a high performance race or street application. The fluid is good for life, and Fluidampr stands behind this claim with a 100% money back guarantee.

Will the silicone fluid used inside the damper turn to gel?

No. The silicone fluid used inside Fluidampr and Streetdampr is practically a gel to begin with. In a performance application, the silicone fluid is GUARANTEED against deterioration, for as long as you own Fluidampr or Streetdampr. The silicone fluid is clear in color and is very thick. The silicone fluid is 45,000 times thicker than 30 weight motor oil. In fact, the silicone fluid is not like oil at all. It is sticky to the touch.

What is crankshaft torsional vibration?

Every time a cylinder fires, the connecting rod hammers the crankshaft, making it twist as well as spin. After every twist, there's a rebound as the crank unwinds. This twist/rebound cycle is known as torsional vibration and if not controlled, it will result in rapid bearing and crank journal wear and can lead to a broken crankshaft.

What's the problem with a stock damper?

Stock dampers are tuned for maximum effectiveness with a stock rotating assembly when it's spinning 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.

What are the key benefits of using a Fluidampr?

A good aftermarket damper protects your crank. Fluidampr is in a class all by itself, because it is designed to provide maximum control of all engine harmonic vibrations, regardless of the rpm at which they occur and regardless of the crankshaft's natural frequency. This translates to maximum protection of the crank, main bearings, related engine components and more consistent power output. Also, Fluidampr is maintenance and repair free. Fluidampr is effective on both race and street applications.

Can Fluidampr's timing marks move?

No. Fluidampr's timing marks are on the housing and cannot physically move. Inertia ring slippage is a common problem with stock dampers and also a sign that harmonic vibrations are not being properly controlled.