dirtygalant wrote:
One could argue that it perhaps is a little more reliable as there are two less parts spinning in an engine, but then it could open up issues like an unsupported oil pump drive etc.
If you are concerned about the oil pump drive you can cut off the shaft after the rear bearing and machine off the counterweight leaving a round rod connecting to the rear bearing This is what I have in my TC motor
The way Rad has described is the only way to do it, as there is nothing to support the oil pump pulley except it's housing. Rally teams I know machine the counterweight also because they experience cracking of the timing case when there is no shaft.
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I've pulled down a motor I removed the balance shaft from, after 20,000k's, and had a really good poke around the oil pump. There was no evidence whatsoever of cracking, or weird wear on the oil pump gears.
I can definitely see the point about the rear bearing adding a good amount of support, but I've seen no real world example of just cutting the shaft off causing any problems.
I'll be doing it soon when i build my motor... Will have to make a decision :).