So here is the strange and f-d' up scenario. Both of the balance shafts on my engine seized. In two separate ways. Here is what the mechanic says. Rear shaft got a piece of belt stuck between the gear and the block so it stopped turning and shaved all the teeth of of the belt. The front shaft threw a bearing.

So the question is this, the drive shaft + bearings appear to be okay and there was a small amount of metal found in the oil pan, what do I do?

It seems to me my options are as follows:

1. do a balance shaft removal and put everything back together and hope it all works out
2. rebuild the engine
3. replace the engine

Thoughts anyone? or alternatives?

 

If there are shavings in the oilpan, it is possible that the shavings have contaminated your entire engine, oil pump, etc... Did you take it to English?

 

That is what I am afraid of with option one, some little nasty make its way into somewhere important.

No haven't taken it to English yet, the guys at Drift Office are currently looking at it (English said they were going on a little vacation in the sand) But I'm trying to figure out if I should pick up another motor and send it with the car down to them...

 

time for a engine rebuild if the money is right

 

The hard part will be flushing the shavings out of the oil cooler and oil passageways in the block and head.

My engine crapped the #4 piston and sent metal all over. I flushed the oil cooler myself. A lot and I mean A LOT of people said not to. 7k miles later...no probs. But I was very thorough.

I suggest you rebuild. Even if that means just removing the block, have it hot-tanked, re-honed and reuse the old rods and pistons (trying to save money.) Get new bearings, rings, gaskets, oil pump, (I really like the AMS balance shaft removal kit) Not a full overhaul, just a refresh.

Its no fun pulling the block and not upgrading, but if cash is an issue, this is an alternate method to restore your engine. That metal in the oil pan will come back to bite you, besides. If there is metal in the pan, then it most likely is in your bearings.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I found a pretty good deal on an engine (from a totaled car) I'm going to go take a look at it today so if that pans out I am going to replace it and maybe tear down the old engine and do a race build or something like that.