4.3 balanced shaft

[bbbbssss]

How would you know if a 4.3 had a balanced shaft or not???

[Sparky2263]

http://www.s10planet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4053

Timing cover only has 6 bolts and is funny shaped. Has a bulge at the top for the balance shaft.

I have my shaft disconnected.

[subvelocity]

Hey speaking of timing covers, you got any good tips for replcing em Sparky? That is without pulling the oilpan?

[Sparky2263]

Hey speaking of timing covers, you got any good tips for replcing em Sparky? That is without pulling the oilpan?

I have the Fel-Pro Blue oil pan gasket. I pull the end bolts out of the pan first (the 5/16" bolts) and put in 2" long bolts. Then I pull all the 1/4" bolts out and let the pan hang on the 4 long bolts. That gives enough room to get the cover off and back on.

[subvelocity]

That's just crazy enough it might work! :)

Is the Fel Pro gasket better for reusing than the stock one? I'm kind of hoping I wouldn't have to change the gasket as I think it would be tough to do without removing the pan...?

[KRUZER1]

it would be impossible to replace to gasket without removing the pan

[Sparky2263]

Yes, to replace the oil pan gasket would require removal of the pan. Now, there are people out there stuborn enough to make it happen, but the gasket has to get around the oil pump pickup. Worth trying? Not in my book.

Subvelocity, I've used that trick with the factory gasket and it worked out good. Key is to have the corners clean and dry. Apply silicone to the corners. I use either Permatex "Right Stuff" or "Ultra Black".