Crankshaft damper source and balancing

[PhilBell]

While checking beneath the front of my engine for water leaks I noticed that much of the rubber part of the crankshaft damper has broken away so I obviously need a new one.

My Jaguar manual says I should mark the damper and pulley before removal because they are supplied as a balanced pair and must go back in the same orientation afterwards. So presumably I need to get my new damper balanced with my old crank pulley. Anyone done this?

And given that my damper is disintegrating 9 years/20,000 miles after the car was restored (the damper appears to be a replacement rather than original) I'd welcome advice on damper makes/suppliers to choose/avoid.

[Hugo]

I have no personal experience of replacement dampers - I was lucky with mine as it was still serviceable. All I will say is you don't want those things coming off; they are heavy and go round very fast! As for balancing in combination with the pulley, they may have done this at the factory but I somehow doubt whether it is common practice today.

[splosh]

I replaced mine in September last year on a 61 3.8.
Got it from the Jag Shop and can say it is well made.
I didn't get it balanced then, but have just stripped the engine over the winter and got it balanced with the crank and new flywheel.
Incidentally, it had balance holes drilled into it when I bought it new, so should be balanced itself as a separate unit when manufactured !! ??