I disagree.  Not all engines have harmonic balancers.
Some engines are internally balanced, like the I4 vw's.  The stamped pulley
that turns my water pump and alternator is not a balancer.

Furthermore, the harmonic balancer on my Audi has belt grooves in it.
The Chevy v8s are externally balanced with a HB, and much notice is given to
this fact in GM repair manuals.  If every motor used a HB, GM wouldn't go
out the way to call attention to it.

>
> re:  All engines have harmonic balancers ...
>
> ... and they're not somthing that's an aftermarket bolt-on
> improvement.  Also, I think they are actually most of the time
> separate from the pulley--they certainly are on the ubiquitous Chevy
> V8.  Usually the balancer is cast iron and the pulley (with the belt
> grooves) stamped steel.
>
> re:  Any in line 2000cc four cylinder engine is going to vibrate ...
>
> ...except those with balancer shafts (not VW).  Boxer, i.e.
> horizontally opposed fours like VANAGONS don't vibrate like inline
> fours.
>
> No big deal, just some minor points.
>