What is this???

[Robert XR4x4]

Hi

I am rebuilding a 97 4.0 SOHC Explorer engine to go into by Ford Sierra XR4x4. I have just come across a huge problem that the Oil Pan doesn't fit from my 2.9 as there is this thing (the long cylindrical bit, see pics) in the way.


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The Haynes manual doesn't even mention it and the pics with the pan off don't show it. Can anyone tell me what it is and what it does any help would be much appreciated.


thanks
Robert

 

[mrboyle]

The item in the photo is a counter ballance shaft. Its job is to help reduce lower end harmonic vibration within the engine. It is spun the oppisite direction of the crankshaft while the engine is running. By spinning it in this direction the shaft cancels out most of the harmonic vibrations caused by the crankshaft.

 

[TarHeel085]

what exactly is a Ford Sierra XR4x4? ive never heard of that in my life. got a pic of it?

 

[Robert XR4x4]

mrboyle - thanks for identifying it but:
can I safely remove it and leave it out? I would have to block off the oil holes, or would I have to join the oil holes via a pipe?
the holes in it, does it spray oil underneath the pistons? if so what about number 3 and 6 as they wouldn't get sprayed?


TarHeel - You had a version in the States called the Murker XR4Ti which had a 2.3 turbocharged straight 4 in it. The XR4x4 was 4 wheel drive with a 2.9V6 cologne engine in. Mine was converted from new to a twin turbo, approx 250bhp. The engine needed a rebuild 130,000 miles on the clock, so I decided to try to put the 4.0 SOHC engine in with the twin turbos

This is what is looks like
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cheers
Robert

 

[TarHeel085]

that looks sweet i cant recall ever seeing one of those before. thats gonna fast as anything with a 4.0 twin turbo. i do like the looks o that thing.

 

[LXTra]

Coupla questions for you Robert. From your post it looks like you're trying to use the oil pan from your 2.9. Is there a reason you can't use the pan from the 4.0? Clearance trouble? Also have you determined certainly that the balance shaft is pressurized with oil? It does look like that could be the case from the plainly visible oil holes. IMO I would avoid trying to remove the shaft unless you get reliable info that it's safe. If the motor is inherintly unbalanced and you remove the shaft it could shake itself to failure. I've always been a little jelous of you Brits. You guys get great performance cars right from the factory, but then there's your gas prices. Kinda balances out eh?

 

[Robert XR4x4]

Hi
I need to use the oil pan from the 2.9 as the 4x4 front driveshaft goes through center the sump. The front diff bolts to the side of the sump and the sump is indented for this (see pic)Dead Link Removed

it is this indent which doesn't clear the balancer I agree that I think the balancer should remain, I'll just have to see if I can customize the sump!

We might get some performance cars right from the factory, but we dont have nice huge V8's