"silent shaft" question

[moparducati]

Kinda new to the 4d55. I just got my mighty max last year. anyway, my waterpump went out and while I was in there, i noticed that the belt was missing for the balance shafts. I've seen on some engines where some people just disconnect them because of the friction drag. will that hurt anything with this engine, or should I get these going again?

[mikewarme]

I've run 4d55 engines all my life. I recommend getting them going unless you had the engine balanced. All the people that do this to their gassers find out after 50,000k. The shafts could be seized or bearings damaged. I would get a real PSI guage to connect to oil sending unit location to check actual oil pressure. It would be low if bearings are shot. NO DONT TRUST THE LIGHT OR GUAGE IN TRUCK

[moparducati]

Yeah, I'm thinkin the bearings are shot and or spun and thats why he disconnected them. I did get an aftermarket oil pressure guage because i didnt trust the factory guage. seems kinda low to me, 20 psi goin down the road, lower at stop signs...

Thanks for the reply, guess I'll do more diggin.