1993 Ford 1920 Engine Failure

Mr Majestic · Oct 1, 2015

TractorTech, thanks for the insight and advice. Correct, the engine sounds fine (from idle and up the rev-range)...it starts right up, doesn't miss...it just isn't smooth anymore...it vibrates at idle and increases in magnitude up the rev-range. Though I gave then engine rebuilder the service manual, I guess there's a chance they missed timing the engine balancer...obviously, this happened to you...sorry to hear that...but do appreciate your sharing your experience.

The service manual explains how to time the balancer and it seems pretty simple. Just one question: Cylinders 1 & 4 need to be at TDC (top dead center) during the timing procedure. What's the best way for me to ensure they're at TDC?

Thanks,
MM

pmsmechanic · Oct 1, 2015

If you have the oil pan off anyways then Top Dead Center is when the piston is at the top of it's stroke and number one piston has both the valves closed. I suppose for balancer timing purposes it shouldn't matter which piston is on the compression stroke.

Mr Majestic · Oct 2, 2015

Okay, I found some time to take the engine out of the frame to gain access to all the bolts securing the oil pan (the front transmission prevented me from accessing some of the bolts while the engine was in the frame). While suspending the engine in the air (with an engine hoist), I removed the oil pan and gained access to the engine balancer assembly. After finding TDC on cylinder 1, I marked the position of the two balancer shafts (with a sharpie pen) relative to the frame they're suspended in. I then removed the balancer assembly from the engine block and confirmed both balancer shafts were in sync with each other. Per the service manual, both balancer shaft weights should be orientated (hanging) straight down (when viewed from below the suspended engine) when cylinder 1 is at TDC. Checking the position marks I made before unbolting the balancer assembly, I determined Tractor Tech's hunch was correct....the balancer had been installed incorrectly...it was actually 180 degrees off (the balancer weights were "oriented up" instead of "hanging down". Once I acquire a new oil pan gasket, reassemble the engine and reassemble the tractor, I'm pretty confident the vibration problem will be gone. I'll certainly provide an update confirming the anticipated positive outcome.

A big thank you to everyone who provided guidance throughout the rebuilding process...especially TractorTech who's insistence the balancer was most likely the source of the vibration convinced me to actually go the extra mile to check it. Thanks a ton, Ted...I'm very greatful! :applause:

MM