I just took the crank pulley off to powder coat it and noticed that it has a rubber ring around it. What is that and what does it do? Can it be replaced? I don't want to cure it at 400deg for 30 minutes and destroy it. PLEASE help since I wanted to do this in the next day or two.
Thanks

 

The crank pulley is also the "harmonic damper". The ring connects the inner and out portions of the damper, and allows the outer portion to move relative to the inner (hub) portion, to counter the harmonics in the crankshaft. It reduces the cyclic radial deflection of the crank in response to the power pulses.

400degF isn't going to be good for the rubber ring. Why not just paint the pulley? I really doubt anyone will know the difference.

 

Thanks Fred. I was hoping that you would see this tonight and give me an answer. I will just paint it.