crankshaft balancer backlash adjustment

[Dakota_imp]

I searched and didn't see anyone even mention it on the forum or in the "my engine makes sounds like Satan playing the steel drums" threads. Page 11-33 in the FSM says the balancer can either make a "whine" if the backlash is to small or a "rattling" if to excessive. Mine made a ticking or rattling noise way low down in the engine a long time ago at idle and if you let it sit and would sometimes come back at red lights. Haven't heard it in a while but i have extreme selective hearing due to being married.

Thoughts, opinions?
Also if i give it hell off the line sometimes going from second to third gear there is nothing there and it won't go into third till i click up again. I've also had it pop out of third.

That lower end rattle has been experienced by myself and a few members. If your running 10-40 change it to 10-30 with a filter change. The oil does not return quick enough from the oil cooler and causes a lower end ticking and rattle. If you are using 10-30 then your issue could be something else. I would still try running 10-30 full syn. and a filter change before you spend $$ on a diagnosis.

Some vehicles are more sensitive then other, i run two Ford 5.4 Triton motors in my trucks, 5-20 is required, anything heavier will blow out head gaskets because the return from the top end is to slow. My mechanic makes a living with these guys in the winter.

That lower end rattle has been experienced by myself and a few members. If your running 10-40 change it to 10-30 with a filter change. The oil does not return quick enough from the oil cooler and causes a lower end ticking and rattle. If you are using 10-30 then your issue could be something else. I would still try running 10-30 full syn. and a filter change before you spend $$ on a diagnosis.
Can you elaborate on your comment regarding the oil not returning quickly enough from the oil cooler. I can't see how the oil cooler could be hording the oil and starving the lower end.