I've decided to change the balance shaft bearings, ordered some new acl balance shaft bearings. Before I take off the timing belt & front case, is it going to be possible to change the bearings while the engine is in the car and with the crankshaft still installed?

 

It sounds very silly, but did you bleed the new lifters? I swapped my head when I was having similar issues, and after a new short block, and a low-mileage head with new lifters the noise was still there. Once I removed the lifters, bled them, and re-installed. Poof, noise was gone.

 

Yes, I did. Filled lifters with oil in a syringe and released the inner bleeder ball a few times whilst pumping the valve and getting the air out through the side hole. I've done this to all 16 before installing them.

There is a bit of play in the left counter shaft, towards the front case side. It makes a similar metal to metal knocking sound so I've organised new balance shaft bushings - left and right. I thought I could confirm it is indeed the balance shaft bushings, by removing the balance shaft belt on the timing side. That would mean I'd have to drop the sump again, reseal & another bottle of oil. According to the service manual, removing the balance shafts to replace the bearings isn't any easier..

 

Did you fixed it?