2016 Merc. 8.2 B3 aprox 106 hrs. Started engine and heard clanging in the engine compartment and found the harmonic balancer separated and the rubber ring split and a couple of small pieces sitting in the bilge and the outer steel ring flopping around loose. Why would this happen and has it been a problem on these engines ?

I have seen it a few times in my 30 some years in business but it really is not very common. 305 Chevy engines were kind of known for it. Cant say I have ever seen a 502 do it. Did the engine run smoothly ? Was it a new or re manufactured engine ? A out of balance condition can eventually cause the rubber to give up. Or possibly just a defective damper

Just thinking out loud

Hi Bill, Thanks for the reply. By the way Bill, I believe you are my cousin John C.'s cousin... I'm the other John C. Hope all is well with you and your family !
It was a new engine. Hopefully it is just a defective damper. The dealer is replacing next week under warranty.

Ha, Small world. How are you guys enjoying Southern Living ? All is good with us. Hopefully it was just a bad damper

I sure don't miss the snow !!! All is well here, thanks

usually you find this after engine grenaded from setting the timing and the balancer had slipped 20+ degree's