4.3L block replaced with one that has the balance shaft removed

[Canaero]

Hello,
I'm doing some research to assemble 4.3L (casing #10227196) engine on a 180 Sea Ray, the previous owner stated this block needed a frost plug / soft plug where the balance shaft would have been. The engine is basically assembled other than the intake manifold and accessories. Searching through the forums I didn't see mention of this procedure and want to know if this is a proven procedure.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... Why would anybody assemble a balance shaft motor, without the balance shaft,..??

 

[Scott Danforth]

and want to know if this is a proven procedure.

remember, the balance shaft has bearings that are oiled by the oil passages. you cant just remove the balance shaft. the only thing you can do is remove the gear driving it. then, you do not get all the benefits of the balance shaft and the motor vibrates like a dog passing a peach pit

draw your own conclusion. If it was me, and I needed a 4.3, I wouldnt buy the motor from a hack who removed the balance shaft stating you simply need a core plug.

 

[MichaelBC]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... Why would anybody assemble a balance shaft motor, without the balance shaft,..??

Rick says to turn the balance shaft uses 15 hp of the motor. So maybe did some tuning ....

4.3l engine questions

Ok I have read a lot about the 4.3 it’s pros cons and horse power but still have a few questions. 1. Can you put vortec heads on a pre vortec block and still achieve the same compression ratio? If not is it the actual piston that is different or are the rod lengths different? 2. is there that...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Scott06]

Rick says to turn the balance shaft uses 15 hp of the motor. So maybe did some tuning ....

4.3l engine questions

Ok I have read a lot about the 4.3 it’s pros cons and horse power but still have a few questions. 1. Can you put vortec heads on a pre vortec block and still achieve the same compression ratio? If not is it the actual piston that is different or are the rod lengths different? 2. is there that...

forums.iboats.com

Yes but this is different - rick took a older block that wasnt designed to have the balance shaft in it and upgraded to the newer vortec heads for more HP.

If you have a balance shaft block with no balance shaft in it you will ruin the engine immediately as there will be no oil pressure due to not having the balance shaft in the engine.

To the OP I would not turst anything with this engine until you can completely dissasemble and measure the clearances as PO of this engine had no clue and is selling you a bucket of $hit.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Rick says to turn the balance shaft uses 15 hp of the motor. So maybe did some tuning ....

4.3l engine questions

Ok I have read a lot about the 4.3 it’s pros cons and horse power but still have a few questions. 1. Can you put vortec heads on a pre vortec block and still achieve the same compression ratio? If not is it the actual piston that is different or are the rod lengths different? 2. is there that...

forums.iboats.com

you are comparing gen 2 blocks and gen 4 blocks. like apples and yo-yos

here is some light reading https://forums.iboats.com/threads/complete-history-of-the-4-3-liter-with-casting-numbers.693935/