I took off some stuff from the front of the engine and wanted to test start it before putting it all back on. Is it bad for the engine to run for a couple minutes without the balancer on?

 

Not worth the risk, I would put it on.

 

It takes two minutes to put the thing on, just put it on.

 

I'd say you're fine if you're just test firing the motor. I wouldn't sit and rev it, but you're not going to hurt anything by making sure it will start and idle.

 

what about the front main?

 

Its not a balancer, its a torsional vibration damper, to reduce fatigue of the crankshaft. Hard to believe a few minutes would damage anything. Some people have misunderstood the concept of the "sandwich" style under-drive pullies, and installed them without the damper, with no "apparent" damage after many months. I wouldn't recommend running for months without it, but a few minutes doesn't sound all that bad. If it was my engine, I'd just install the damper, though.

 

If anything, make sure the hub is installed.

 

I am with Injuneer on this one.

 

well if the hub has to go on anyway...how hard is it to stick it on there and put 3 bolts in?

 

I'd think w/out the hub there'd be an oily mess to clean up. I'd just put the hub/damper back on.

Here's a cheap and easy tool to use to do such a thing:

http://members.***.net/gmarengo/Misc/Misc.htm