Yes, the I-5 has two counter balance shafts that spin opposite each other. Yes, the I-5 is naturally unbalanced. And finally yes, GM did a hell of a job with this engine.

A couple extra shafts are not going to cause any extra wear and tear on the engine. I am sure that the i-5 will last a couple 100k miles and then people will loose the bias.

Don't forget, the invincible 3800 (3.8l v6 90 degree) engine has a balance shaft and all the mechanics praise it

 

You don't have anything at all to worry about with the I5. Wear and tear will effect it the same as any other engine out there. Now I'm no engine expert but if you were to take a V style engine and compare it to an inline configuration I'm sure the number of components in them are about the same. Sure they had to add balance shafts but then there is only one head gasket, one exhaust manifold, etc, etc.... And on top of that do you really think GM would invest (probobally) millions of dollars in designing the colorado/canyons just to put some klunker engine they weren't sure about in it?

 

yea i agree, im sure the i5 will last just as long as an v style engine, i've heard that inline engines actually last longer than most v's because sinve the pistons and what ever are going straight down instead of on an angle it's less wear and tear on them (due to gravity and what ever else) and it's just easier for it to opperate.

 

In his opinion this is just more wear on the engine and more parts to wear out over time.

So would he recommend you stay away from V8s and just drive 4 cylinders because larger engines have more parts to wear out over time? :rofl

The I5 has counter balance shafts and they work very well, this engine seems much better than the 4.3L I had in my S-10.

 

nearly all inline engines have balance shafts!

 

New mechanic needed.

 

If every car with balance shafts is junk then there are a lot of crappy cars on the road.

 

I would worry more about why GM forgot to add a
passenger side keyhole and forget about worrying
about the balance shafts. I am pretty sure that we
are going to see the 3.5 as a very stout motor after
its been out a few more years.

 

that lack of a passenger side keyhole pisses me off sometimes... I can't let my girl in first

 

Odd numbered cylinders have been around for many years. In the 70's, some Kawasaki motorcycles had three cylinders. Very smooth, very fast. V shaped engines are more difficult to balance out. Case in point, Harley-Davidson.

 

Saab had a three cylinder in line in the fifties. two stroke to boot .Audi VW and Volvo have all used five cylinder engines.

 

I heard the kawasaki 3-cylinders didn't last long since the middle cylinder wasn't getting cooled properly

 

Was this dealer trying to talk you into another vehicle at the time?

Nothing wrong with these engines. Very smooth, and holding up well for everybody.

 

My swim coach back in the Bahamas had a Daihatsu Cuore with a 1L 43hp inline 3.
He's had it for 4 years now and its fine.

 

I heard the kawasaki 3-cylinders didn't last long since the middle cylinder wasn't getting cooled properly

That's highly possible. They were good engines though. Had they put a radiator on them, they'd have done better. I think one of the problems with both their version, and the Suzuki version that was watercooled was, people just plain didn't like the appearance of two pipes on one side, and one pipe on the other side of the bike.

 

Case in point, Harley-Davidson.

Bad example, v-twins can be made to run very smoothly. However if they do they don't have that "harley" sound everyone likes so much.

 

Case in point, Harley-Davidson.

Bad example, v-twins can be made to run very smoothly. However if they do they don't have that "harley" sound everyone likes so much.

Yeah without that kick ass sound a Harly just isn't a Harley. V-Rod? Love the bikle but it sounds like a Jap cruiser not something from Milwaukee.

 

Case in point, Harley-Davidson.

Bad example, v-twins can be made to run very smoothly. However if they do they don't have that "harley" sound everyone likes so much.

Not a bad example. In fact, you proved my point. The other V-Twins out there (Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki) all go to quite a bit of trouble to balance those engines out to make them run smoother. H-D doesn't.

 

i-5

Well if I-5 is so unballanced why would GM put it on the new Hummers? Starting this eyar ummers h-3 SUT and the SUV will be coming with the vortec 3.5L, I-5 220hp, 225 trq, engine. Does it sound familiar? I think it turned out to be a great engine. And i am not a mechanic at all. I am a plain ole dishwasher. I like the truck, and i think the engine runs great. I have had Ford torino, Ranger, Lincoln mark 6, Ford Econoline 350, S-10, sonoma, Maxima, and 1/2 tom full size chevy., My colorado is the best ride i ahve ever had. Do not regret the $30,000 i am paying for it a bit. Probably best spent money i have ever spent.

 

i-5

Well if I-5 is so unballanced why would GM put it on the new Hummers? Starting this eyar ummers h-3 SUT and the SUV will be coming with the vortec 3.5L, I-5 220hp, 225 trq, engine. Does it sound familiar? I think it turned out to be a great engine. And i am not a mechanic at all. I am a plain ole dishwasher. I like the truck, and i think the engine runs great. I have had Ford torino, Ranger, Lincoln mark 6, Ford Econoline 350, S-10, sonoma, Maxima, and 1/2 tom full size chevy., My colorado is the best ride i ahve ever had. Do not regret the $30,000 i am paying for it a bit. Probably best spent money i have ever spent.

Absolutely man i could not agree more. That 5cyl Colorado is an excellent, excellent vehicle and engine. The front brakes though... i do not understand the logic behind those front rotors. Lmao. Nuts!

 

Better not tell your mechanic about the millions of 5 cylinder Mercedes diesels that are still on the road. Many of these have in excess of 300,000 miles and several have approached, or even passed the million mile mark. So much for 5 cyls being an inherently poor design.
As for pistons on V type engines wearing because they lay on their sides.... I haven't heard that repeated since just after Ford introduced the flathead ( 1932!) It was one of the myths that had to be disopelled beofre the V8 became popular.
You need a new mechanic!

 

The balance shafts are great! I've only had to replace one so far. :wink:

 

1lowrado

You could climb in on your side, slide across the seat to her side, open the door, hop out on her side, let her in, close her door for her when she gets in, then go back around to your side of the truck and get back in.

She should apreciate the courtesy, and the humor, of that.

AZ[/quote]

 

My "other truck" is a Mitsubishi Mighty Max 2.0L with over 200K on it, minor overhaul (gaskets, rings, main bearings, head job) done at 155k, still runs like a top. It uses balance shaft and a "timed" oil pump of all things.

On the key thing, getcha remote entry and alarm system; gf will think it's cool, esp if she has her own pendant.

 

Just what is meant by unbalanced?

 

Just what is meant by unbalanced?

Because there is an odd number of cylinders.