Re: engine balance

Posted by PackardV8 On 2013/3/24 8:29:17

From post #1.

"The damper stays where it stops on V-blocks & ball bearings."

Try the crankshaft under the same test. Probably have to use "knife edges" (a couple of lengths large level angle iron). A stock crank should stay at any position while rolled along the knife edges. I have at least 4 cranks here from Jag V12's, Pack V8, and 2.0 ford that will stay put on the knife edges regardless of how they are rolled along the top.
Also from post 1:

" The flywheel & Pressure plate were surfaced and indexed , I was told the flywheel is "Neutral Balance"."

Excellent idea on indexing the clutch cover wit hthe flywheel. Again place crank and flywheelassembly on knife edges and test. They should not roll under their own weight.

As for pistons the pistons are reciprocating weight and not related whatsoever in any way shape form or fashion to the balance of the crankshaft.

Piston weight variation from cylinder to cylinder is best kept small as possible but not critical (with in reason).

POINT 1: During the 30's or maybe 40's Buick factory engines had CI pistons. ONLY FACTORY AUTHORIZED replacements DURING the 30's was AL.

POINT 2. Dealer networks of any mfg'er have never 'sent engines out for ballance" during nor after field service overhauls.

Points 1 and point 2 above contradicts the sensationalism of "rebalancing" as part of overhaul process.

Over the years i've heard alot of sensationalism about various engine overhaul proceedures. Balancing and line boring (insert type) main bearings, decking heads just to be sure they are 'not warped" (when they are not warped to begin with) is all just for padding bills and gives the unsavvy owner some bragging rights. AND THAT IS ALL IT IS!!!