Knock in the engine

[IvegotaCommy]

Last owner of the car (VN 3800) thought the idler pulley was noisy. I replaced it with a brand new metal job but the noise is still there.
The noise, to me, seems to come from the front of the motor, low down. It's a tremendous rattle. I thought I could isolate the noise a bit. Removed the belt and ran the engine. The noise stopped although not completely. So when I stopped the engine, I tried the harmonic balancer.
I have no experience as what a good one feels like but this to me does not feel right. It is quite loose and rattles if you move it backward and forwards. Does any one know if these give trouble? What's involved in changing one? Is the bolt right hand? Any tips?

[jas98]

definally harmonic balancer.............shouldnt be abble to hear and rattles out of it when moved buy hand and definally shouldnt be able to move it in and out............os it missing any of the rubber?? asnd has it got any cracks in the rubber? its a very common problem with the vn-vs (maybe more)

as for replaceing it its not too hard its just trying to get the big ass bolt undone and its normal thread........do u have a manual or auto? series one engine or 2? reason being is that the series 2 harmonic balancers are a press on typ fit requireing a pully to get it off..but the series one just pulls off with a little force

and if your car is a auto its a bit more complicated to get it off as the crank will turn but if u have a manual u can (i think correct me if im wrong guys) put it in 4th gear!! than undo the bolt

hope that helps

[IvegotaCommy]

Read the fault file on the VN. Mine is a 91 automatic model.


"Standard harmonic balancers consist of inner and outer hemispheres which are located together by vulcanized rubber. Over time the rubber perishes or loosens and the outer hemisphere can move freely of the inner hemisphere. V6 balancers also contain a counter weight on the inner hemisphere to help absorb harmonic vibrations, but when the rubber splits or fractures, the counter weight can rattle against the outer hemisphere, which can be very loud. Harmonic balancer bolts are torqued and thread locked when installed, and can be difficult to remove. Early VN V6 balancers slide off of the crank once the retaining bolt is removed (usually), but update VN V6 balancers need a puller tool for removal after the bolt is removed. Balancers are readily available from most spare parts outlets."

So it looks like I will need a puller. Or is there another way that doesn't need one?