Balancer Shaft. Can they be removed?

[acarmody]

Basically what the title says. I'm doing a rebuild and I would like to put on the double row timing chain but I have been told I will have to remove the balance shaft gear/cog whatever to do it, so it would make more sence to remove the whole shaft wouldn't it? Has anyone done this and have you noticed any difference in the engine? Is it worthwhile or just get a really good single row chain?

*EDIT* Oh and I am getting the engine balanced.

[VR38]

LOL if you remove the shaft what would you bolt the gear cog to?

[chargedvx6]

Yeah you can remove the balance shaft gear no probs. The gear is in the way of where the double row cam sprocket needs to go. The shaft has a pressure oil feed at the rear that needs to be tapped and plugged in the build so as long as that's done securely you won't have an issue.

If you are only planning to run 105lb springs after the rebuild a single chain should be fine with a new tensioner but if you are going much higher spring pressure as most do then a double is good insurance. MOst don't run a tensioner with the double chain but it can be done if you space it out from the block a tad.

[acarmody]

Cool thanks. I am only planning on running 105 pound springs but I would like the double chain.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Yes, it can be removed, but you will suffer from a bit of engine shake around 1700 rpm. No amount of balancing will get rid of it.

[chargedvx6]

Yes, it can be removed, but you will suffer from a bit of engine shake around 1700 rpm. No amount of balancing will get rid of it.

Yeah but if the car's cammed that will seriously over shadow any harmonic oscillations

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I just don't want him to think there is a problem with his balancing if it does shake.

[acarmody]

Oh thanks for that Not_A_Abba_Fan, so its just something thats going to be there? Its doesn't have any negative effect on the car or anything?

Hmmm if the engines going to be shaking a little bit maybe I should invest in some really good engine mounts. Might as well since the engine going to be out anyway. Anyone recommendany good brands?

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

It doesn't happen to all engines that have had the balance shaft removed, just most. And it is very slight, as chargedvx6 has stated, if you are fitting a cam, then you may not even notice it.

[chargedvx6]

Hmmm if the engines going to be shaking a little bit maybe I should invest in some really good engine mounts. Might as well since the engine going to be out anyway. Anyone recommendany good brands?

Can't go past genuines IMO.

[acarmody]

Can't decide if that was a joke/sarcasm or not . LOL. Nah I was gonna get some new mounts anyway, 8 years old, cheap insurance, and much easier to do with the engine out of the car.

Also can anyone tell me what the harmonic balancer does? I THINK it stables out the crankshaft vibrations but I'm not 100% sure. Any benefits getting a new Powerbond one? Do these normally fail after X years?

Also a friend mentioned getting a lighter flywheel to save a bit of power any truth or is friend smoking crack?

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

The weight of the flywheel helps in keeping the momentum of the engine going. It is a certain weight for a reason. Lightened flywheels only really help in performance applications when a fast revving engine is required. In a stock engine it is actually worse.

The harmonic balancer is exactly that, it balances out harmonic vibrations in the whole engine. (Being very general there). They do fail as the rubber eventually perishes and cracks.

[acarmody]

Would it be a lot easier to change the harmonic balancer with the engine out of the car or can it be done with the engine installed? Just trying to decide wheather of not to change it now with the engine getting rebuilt or just wait till it fails.

[chargedvx6]

Would it be a lot easier to change the harmonic balancer with the engine out of the car or can it be done with the engine installed? Just trying to decide wheather of not to change it now with the engine getting rebuilt or just wait till it fails.

It isn't a difficult task to do in the car with the right tools. If you are getting a full component balance with the rebuild, the harmonic balancer is a major part of that process and should be present with the other parts before assembly for the balancing to be done. You will need your flexplate/ flywheel there for that too.

[acarmody]

Ah so it would be worthwhile providing a new harmonic balancer to the engine machinist who is doing the balancing?

[chargedvx6]

Ah so it would be worthwhile providing a new harmonic balancer to the engine machinist who is doing the balancing?

Your machinist will tell you there is no other way. It would be a waste of time other wise.

[acarmody]

Ahh, thanks for that info. Can anyone recommend any good brands? Powerbond Street? Nuline? ProTorque? Someone else?