New Crank and Turned Crank and Questions About a Balanced Engine

[Blown&Injected]

When I had my engine rebuilt I had it balanced. I can see some grinding and some areas where something (looks like metal plugs) were welded into the crank counter balance areas. I would really like to save the crank because of all the work and because of $$$.

I was hoping I could just get the main journals turned to .020 and get some .020 over bearings and put it all back together. It does not seem like that will effect the balance - right? The machine shop will need my block to measure the journals right?

If I need a new crank - Does it have to be balanced? Will they need all the pistons and rods to make a new crank work in my engine?

If somebody can provide a link to a place that explains all this I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[turbo6randy]

Steve
If it was my motor I would have the original crank resurfaced and use it without rebalancing. I have done this before with no problems. If you use a different crankshaft it will need to be rebalanced and yes they will need at least one piston & rod,rings and rod bearings. Some shops that work on Buicks regularly keep the ring and bearing wieghts on file.
Randy

 

[Blown&Injected]

Thanks - that is what I would like to do but since the crank is already .010/.010 and there is a grove cut on about a 180* section of the front main journal that may be to deep to grind out without going deeper than .020.

Because this type of thing seems to be reserved for machine shops, I have never made much effort to learn all about it.