I recently pulled off my harmonic balancer and chipping it. Should I replace it or just file down the inside lip that I chipped. I am on a budget and every dollar I am saving counts.

 

How big of chip, and if you do use it that thing spins a lot of RPM's, and could be a grandee waiting to happen. I would change it since you are already there. Better safe then Sorry

 

How large of a chip ? If it is small enough that it will not cause your motor to be out of balance, then maybe file it down on the opposite side to even it out. Not sure if any damage can be done, but If you put it back on, after you star it keep and eye on it and see if it runs smoothly and revs, if there is any weird vibration at all, shut it down and get a new part.

 

It's called a harmonic balancer. I think the name should imply that any damage to it would be detrimental. I would switch it out to be safe. an off-balance wheel spinning at 5000 rpm is no good