Engine rattle question

[KiwiHoldenDriver]

My engine has started rattling when the engine is dead idle but any sort of RPM, even idling downhill (auto transmission), causes it to go quiet. After reading up it sounds like the harmonic balancer needs to be replaced.

My question is, how long can I leave it before it needs to be replaced. The car does not get driven hard, just round town and motorway driving.

[soop]

If you think its the Harmonic balancer, I'd be replacing it ASAP. Not something you want letting go.

[TrikkBen]

Goodbye bottom end

[Pub247]

If you think its the Harmonic balancer, I'd be replacing it ASAP. Not something you want letting go.

balancers dont usually let go per see. In v6's the rubber splits the outer hemisphere spins till t hits the stop and which results in a constant banging. So id say its not the harmonic balancer but check to see if the rubber is cracked or split anyway as youll need to replace soon.

Judging by your post id say it possibl;e timing chain tensioner or balance shaft bearing. I've had plenty of v6's that have done this noise and it always goes away once you start moving (usually you juyst dont hear it anymore doesnt mean its gone )

[soop]

good point.
its easy to see if the Balancer is rooted, start the car and open the bonnet, they usually walk around all over the joint.

Balance shaft bearings are a good suggestion too.

[Brett_jjj]

Ive seen a couple of these harmonic balancers let go on these V6's ,it usually causes the serpentine belt to be spat off and get all wrapped around things or break things like oil pressure switches etc.Its best to do a regular check and see if the balancer is wobbling at idle like soop mentioned,if it is wobbly or noisy,it should be replaced straight away before it comes apart going along and causes damage..

[KiwiHoldenDriver]

balancers dont usually let go per see. In v6's the rubber splits the outer hemisphere spins till t hits the stop and which results in a constant banging. So id say its not the harmonic balancer but check to see if the rubber is cracked or split anyway as youll need to replace soon

I had a closer look and found I can rotate the alternator, etc, a bit until it stops. The outer half of the pulley at the bottom, which I am assuming is the balancer, is rotating around the inner half. I was able to get a cheap puller online tonight but will need to get a breaker bar to remove the old one. A local parts place I have used before have a balancer with a 1 year warranty for $120. I assume they are a hell of a lot easier to put on than to take off.

Judging by your post id say it possibl;e timing chain tensioner or balance shaft bearing. I've had plenty of v6's that have done this noise and it always goes away once you start moving (usually you juyst dont hear it anymore doesnt mean its gone )

God, I how not. I am trying to save for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for the weekend of October 6-9 (already done my haj and had a laugh at a camper stuck in the gravel trap on Skylne on the way home after staying at The Bathurst Goldfields on Forrest Elbow)

[Pub247]

theyre a bit easier on vp than early vn's to do

When you done turn motor over by hand to make sure the balancer isnt hitting the Crank angle senocr behind it.

Oh yeah i woouldnt be driving it anywhere until you can fix it.

[KiwiHoldenDriver]

After your guys advice, much appreciated by the way, I have no intention of driving it until i have replaced the pulley. Luckily this place will deliver the replacement balancer.

[KiwiHoldenDriver]

OK, the wrecker have just sent me a harmonic balancer that, according to their invoice, comes from a VY. Can I use that on my Gen II VP engine?

[delcowizzid]

nope needs to be off the vp engine

[stoff1saffa]

hey guys i have an 89 vn berlina and there is rattle,im pretty sure its comming from the trans. I dont think its affecting the drive or anythingg but just wondering what it could be? It does it at all rpm!