If the balancer shaft(s) are removed from a diesel engine, does this affect engine life? I understand that their purpose is only to reduce the engine vibration and they are not critical to the balance of the rotating crankshaft/ piston/ rod assembly. Am I wrong? The engine in question is a German made Neuss 239 engine.Thanks, Phil

 

Absolutely it will. ALL internal combustion engines with a rotating crankshaft MUST HAVE a balancer installed. Not to mention the vast majority of balancer shafts are actually part of the crankshaft so you cant remove it. I assume you pulled it out of a Case?

BTW- Make sure you go to the initiation section and introduce yourself.

 

The engine is out of an International backhoe, probably one of the last one's made. I'm referring to shafts or rotating weights, in any diesel that are separate yet timed by a gear train; the John Deere engine had 2 at the bottom of the block and the 2 stroke Detroit diesel had them up high in the block I believe. Thanks,Phil

 

What he said!