Zax

Hello I have my engine out of the car and while putting all the parts on the replacement one I saw this movement. It’s where the water pup should be and I have no movement in my original engine. Could it be from the timing chain or I don’t know? Please help. Thanks!
Audi A4 B8 2.0 TFSI

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/mvjmj16RTEE

Mesquite77

So that is the balance shaft. What I think is odd is that the old engine does not move, shaft must be seized? I would expect some lash when moving the shaft backswords to rotation on a chain meshed to a gear. I would check under the timing cover to be sure.

Also, the hydraulic tensioners only tighten the chain after oil presume is built up, so until that happens on your replacement engine, chain will start out loose.

SMac770

Balance shafts seizing is not unheard of. Looks like just another oil pressure management failure. Maybe a screen on a balance shaft came loose, causes blockage. There should have been warning signs, but now that it's toast, it doesn't really matter.