Hi new member here about to tackle balance shaft replacement on my wife's 2006 E350. Figured I'd join forum hopefully for some good advice (which I've already received 
) and to post progress hopefully others can benefit in future. I'm not a professional mechanic but consider myself pretty handy and have a lot of good tools that I've been collecting over a lifetime. Also have a good friend who likewise is not a professional mechanic but also very handy with this stuff. Been watching youtube videos over past several months and reading as much as I can from forums about this and think I have a pretty good handle on the project that lies ahead. Of course, I realize from past experience that it's never as easy as it seems on "paper" but hopefully will get through it with wife's car in better shape than it is now.
Purchased new in 2006 and currently has about 177K miles. It's been a great car overall and only had a few significant problems... fuel pump went while it was fairly new, fuel tank was replaced by dealer under warranty, I replaced intake manifold, had a drive shaft come apart, which unfortunately set off most of the airbags, and now, the dreaded balance shaft, which is by far the most serious of the issues to date. Unfortunately past several years has been really difficult for us financially and we need to keep this car running. I'll be tackling the air bags after balance shaft is resolved...
Confirmed VIN falls within affected range, timing marks are off under hall sensors and currently generating P0016 and P0017 generic codes that come immediately back after reset.
So far I've just ordered parts and a few tools for the project. Parts were just under $1,750 and tools were about $350. I think I'm set with all the tools needed for project but will have to improvise a couple things where I just can't justify cost of specialty tool (e.g., removing camshaft pins). I also need to purchase a scanner that can handle resetting the adaptations and teach-in process but still holding off on that purchase (mostly due to lack of discretionary funds at the moment). Think I've settled on an Autel MP808, which is about $750 and supposedly can handle what's needed for this project. I'm hoping it will also allow me to reset airbags when those are replaced and provide a good tool for future projects on this and my other vehicles (currently a 2007 Ford F150).
Here is what I've ordered to date:
Balance shaft kit including, adjuster magnets, timing chain tensioner, pulse wheels, oil filter cartridges, rear crank flange/seal and front crank seal, and various gaskets and seals
Timing chain and guides
Oil pump, chain and guide (no issues currently but figured better to replace now)
Water pump, thermostat housing and thermostat (also no current issues)
Gasket set (heads, intake and exhaust manifolds, and valve seals)
Head bolts
Serpentine belt
Crankcase position sensor
Crankcase breather cap
300 ml Loctite 5970 flange sealant
Above parts approximately $1,750 shipped. Still need to purchase all of the fluids (oil, antifreeze, power steering, etc)
Tools:
Timing chain kit (separator and rivet kit) -- Chinese knockoff approx $105 before tax
OTC master Torx set (including e-torx, torx, torx plus and tamper proof torx sockets) -- approx $75 before tax
CDI (Snap-on Industrial) 1/2 Torque wrench (20 to 250 ft lbs +/- 4% CW) -- approx $150 before tax
Still need Scanner:
Autel MP808 (currently considering) -- approx $750 before tax.
Will post pic and write up of timing chain set next...
) and to post progress hopefully others can benefit in future. I'm not a professional mechanic but consider myself pretty handy and have a lot of good tools that I've been collecting over a lifetime. Also have a good friend who likewise is not a professional mechanic but also very handy with this stuff. Been watching youtube videos over past several months and reading as much as I can from forums about this and think I have a pretty good handle on the project that lies ahead. Of course, I realize from past experience that it's never as easy as it seems on "paper" but hopefully will get through it with wife's car in better shape than it is now.Purchased new in 2006 and currently has about 177K miles. It's been a great car overall and only had a few significant problems... fuel pump went while it was fairly new, fuel tank was replaced by dealer under warranty, I replaced intake manifold, had a drive shaft come apart, which unfortunately set off most of the airbags, and now, the dreaded balance shaft, which is by far the most serious of the issues to date. Unfortunately past several years has been really difficult for us financially and we need to keep this car running. I'll be tackling the air bags after balance shaft is resolved...
Confirmed VIN falls within affected range, timing marks are off under hall sensors and currently generating P0016 and P0017 generic codes that come immediately back after reset.
So far I've just ordered parts and a few tools for the project. Parts were just under $1,750 and tools were about $350. I think I'm set with all the tools needed for project but will have to improvise a couple things where I just can't justify cost of specialty tool (e.g., removing camshaft pins). I also need to purchase a scanner that can handle resetting the adaptations and teach-in process but still holding off on that purchase (mostly due to lack of discretionary funds at the moment). Think I've settled on an Autel MP808, which is about $750 and supposedly can handle what's needed for this project. I'm hoping it will also allow me to reset airbags when those are replaced and provide a good tool for future projects on this and my other vehicles (currently a 2007 Ford F150).
Here is what I've ordered to date:
Balance shaft kit including, adjuster magnets, timing chain tensioner, pulse wheels, oil filter cartridges, rear crank flange/seal and front crank seal, and various gaskets and seals
Timing chain and guides
Oil pump, chain and guide (no issues currently but figured better to replace now)
Water pump, thermostat housing and thermostat (also no current issues)
Gasket set (heads, intake and exhaust manifolds, and valve seals)
Head bolts
Serpentine belt
Crankcase position sensor
Crankcase breather cap
300 ml Loctite 5970 flange sealant
Above parts approximately $1,750 shipped. Still need to purchase all of the fluids (oil, antifreeze, power steering, etc)
Tools:
Timing chain kit (separator and rivet kit) -- Chinese knockoff approx $105 before tax
OTC master Torx set (including e-torx, torx, torx plus and tamper proof torx sockets) -- approx $75 before tax
CDI (Snap-on Industrial) 1/2 Torque wrench (20 to 250 ft lbs +/- 4% CW) -- approx $150 before tax
Still need Scanner:
Autel MP808 (currently considering) -- approx $750 before tax.
Will post pic and write up of timing chain set next...
