Balance Shaft questions

[rvrftw]

Ok, so I've finally installed my new motor and took it for a drive and the first thing I noticed was that it vibrates like hell, (feels like the whole car is going to fall apart over 3k rpms). Also the car doesn't like reving and doesn't want to make full boost (13psi) till a lot later (like 4k rpm).
So I'm thinking that maybe the balance shaft is out by 180 degrees (had a similar problem in my old RVR when workshop did the timing belt and screwed up the balance shaft, however I don't remember the vibrating being as bad).
I remember reading something about a screwdriver going into the block to check if balance shaft is aligned correctly.
The big question is, does anyone know how I go about checking, as up until now I've never touched the timing area.
Having just successfully completed a engine swap though, I am feeling a lot more confident about tackling it.

 

[mathew_colville]

i have no idea about this issue but i found this youtube video, might help or i could be totally wrong lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NUBy-Q3djg

 

[Cranked]

Check out vfaq.com that will help

 

[evo-gsr]

You need to have the timing covers off and take a bolt out of the rear of the block to check if its out of alignment.
but the symptoms you mentioned suggest that they are out 180°

 

[evo-gsr]

Both camshaft sprocket timing marks must be in line with the top surface of the cylinder head . [A straight edge (ruler) laid across the center of the cam shaft attaching bolts will help you to better see and align the timing marks.] The crankshaft and oil pump sprockets must also be aligned with their respective timing marks

NOTE: Crankshaft may need to be rotated up to six turns before all sprockets are properly aligned and the rear balance shaft is in phase, due to the oil pump-to-balance shaft gear ratio.

 

[evo-gsr]

Remove the balance shaft plug on the rear side of the cylinder block and insert a Phillips screwdriver {shank diameter 8 mm (.32 in.)} through the hole. The balance shaft is in the correct position if the screwdriver can be inserted at least 60 mm (2.4 in.). If the inserted depth is less than this only 20-25 mm (.8-1.0 in.), the oil pump sprocket must be rotated one full turn and timing marks realigned. Recheck the balance shaft position using the screwdriver to ensure that it can be inserted 60 mm (2.4 in.) or more. Keep the screwdriver inserted until timing belt installation is complete (Figure 13).
NOTE that there is an easier way to do this. Simply rotate the mark on the oil pump sprocket until it is pointing straight up, and let it go. If the sprocket rotates towards (counterclockwise) the timing mark on the engine, the oil pump sprocket is aligned correctly. If it rotates away (clockwise) from the mark, spin the sprocket a full turn and test again, and it should properly rotate towards the mark now. Now line the mark on the sprocket back up with the mark on the engine. This avoids having to remove the rear access bolt entirely.

Caution:MAKE SURE THE BALANCE SHAFT IS PROPERLY POSITIONED. It is possible for the oil pump sprocket timing marks to be properly aligned, and have the balance shaft out of phase. This could result in a SEVERE engine vibration.

 

[evo-gsr]

Stolen from VFAQ ^^

 

[Benzo4gT]

Just pull the belt and have at it.

Ingredients: Big arse zip ties, long bolt tool, bourbon.

 

[BMGTZ]

mm bourbon....

no real need in the first instance to do much other than line up the cams to TDC no 1. remove bolt at rear....insert screw driver and measure depth. rotate about six times each time stopping at tdc. If the screw driver doesnt got in the prescribed depth. shafts are out and you need to delve in further..

but to confirm there is an issue set btc and try....then tdc no 4. try each.

IF the timing is ok....check the balancer isnt fucked.

checking front shaft is a bit more involved......but it is usually the rear shaft they fuck up

 

[rvrftw]

Yep... rear shaft was 180* backwards... damn retards...
Thanks for the help guys.

 

[EVO193]

I know its off topic a little but is there any advantage of running later model balance shaft eg are they lighter. I see some guys in the states running evo 8/9 balance shafts