Is there an easy way to time balance shafts from underneath?

[nelstomlinson]

On my 450C, when I took the oil pump off, the left balance shaft rotated. The manual tells how to time it with a straightedge, but that requires pulling the front cover off the engine, which requires all sorts of mess and irritation I don't want to get into if I don't have to.

Is there a short cut that will let me time it from underneath, without getting at the front of the engine?

[Jim B]

The lobes of both balance shafts will be up or down at the same time. If the right side balance shaft is such that the lobe is out, flat face in and vertical, the left shaft lobe should be out and the flat face in and vertical.

[nelstomlinson]

Thanks, Jim. That sounds a lot easier than getting at the front of the engine. I'll give it a shot!

[nelstomlinson]

So, I tried getting the port side balance shaft to match the starboard one, and I think I succeeded. The teeth on the gears are coarse enough that there is only one position which looks pretty close. I guess I'll find out if I'm close enough when I start it up!