Posted by Rouge Comet AKA Chris S. In Denver CO (216.98.199.140) on April 30, 2001 at 04:20:15:
In Reply to: Engine balance ! posted by Norvak on April 30, 2001 at 00:11:52:
Engine balance is the where the crankshaft and the piston all rotate smoothly. If your crankshaft is not balanced, it causes vibrations and that will cause early parts failure like the bearings. The first part of balancing is to make your pistons weigh the same to within 1 gram of each other. Then the rods need to be done as well to within 1 gram of each other. Then the balancing shop takes your piston, rod, crankshaft, harmonic balancer, flywheel and adds or subtracts weight to make the whole assembly rotate without any wobbeling. If done correctly, this will keep your engine running much smoother. NOT DONE well your looking for trouble. The 1 gram is ideal but a lot of shops don't do it down that low. Stock engines sometimes have much higher tolerences. If you want it good the closer the better.
If you have never balanced a pistion before, I don't suggest that you try it. It's easy to screw up a piston. I just got done balanceing a brand new set of Eagle Rods. They were within 10 grams of each other. They were for a 383 stroker.
Well, I made it as simple as I could, any body else want to throw in a few lines is welcome.
Last word, don't put in a new crank without having it balanced or you'll be sorry. Pay to have it done or buy that kit you talked about.
Chris
rouge comet(my keys are still sticking but I unstuck the m key to spell comet right):)