Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Engine Balancing ?

[tshort]

Well I spent some time searching the forums already. But my question is, if I were to have the motor balanced is it ok to just do the crank, connecting rods and pistons. And if it is ok, where would it not be correct to take weight off of these components.

The reason I am asking is because there is a very reputable shop within 2 hrs of my home, but they only do high HP gasoline motors. I haven't talked to them yet, and I know that diesel and gas motors are different, but would they be able to do it. I can't really afford to have my truck down for a long time, seeing as how it is my only form of transportation, that is why I want them to do it.

Oh and one more question, how much weight can be taken off of these components without sacrifing too much durability. I was hoping to not have too much variance.

Thanks in advance,

Ryan

 

[tshort]

Yes I do know that this will not give me any more HP. Just going for a few more RPMs.

 

[DMcPherson]

I don see why it wouldent help, the rods and crank have cast balance weights that will be cut to remove weight without sacrificing structural durability. you should do flywheel/flexplate at the same time to

 

[RTillery]

On an inline motor, the engine is generally setup to balance without bobweights. Most all components can be balanced separately without causing an effect on each other. As long as the pistons all weigh the same, you should be ok. Rods are usually balanced at each end separately. All big ends weigh the same, all small ends weigh the same. They are done on a simple scale with a bearing fixture that allows the end being worked on to be weighed. You find the lightest, and make all the rest weigh the same.



The crank, dampner and flywheel are spun on a machine, either separately or as a unit. The machine will detect the difference between the rotating masses centerline, and the center of gravity. It will locate it, and give the amount. It is then up to the operator to add or remove weight to correct.



If you have access to a scale accurate to a gram or less. You can check your pistons and even your rods for consistency. This is usually where most of the work is on an inline balance job. Your balance shop will usually cut a pretty good deal if you just have them spin the crank assembly.



The automotive shop should be able to spin our little Cummins crank no problem. Can you find out what brand of balancing machine they have?

I doubt if the small amount of weight you might reduce the rods, pistons or flywheel by, would have a noticeable difference on our motors. You might notice a difference in the smoothness of the motor though. Once a person has a balance job done correctly, they will seldom tear a motor apart without having it done.

 

[tshort]

I'll definitely look into the machinery they use. The only problem I have right now is not enough time to do it. Will probably be the beginning of the summer. I was also thinking about having some components coated, but the only problem is I don't really know what would be worth my while to have coated. Any suggestions on that one I would certainly be appreciated.

Ryan

 

[tshort]

I have a new flywheel from Southbend. Don't they balance it, or do they just resurface it.

Ryan

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

tshort, drawson had his 97 12v balanced when he had it built. The weight range on the pistons alone was 23 grams! He said it made a very noticeable improvement and felt it was well worth it. Check out his "eat 'em up overhaul" gallery, it may answer some of your questions--> https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=1422&albumid=16437



Vaughn

 

[tshort]

Thanks for the replies. That link of the engine rebuild helps answer pretty much all my questions.

Ryan