Knocking noise on start up

[Brin]

Howdy all

The VN seems to have a slight little knock/rattle on startup lately.. It doesn't happen all the time, mainly i've noticed at night when it's cold.. I'm told this could be tension on the fanbelt, as it starts moving, but that seems fine so now i'm quering about harmonic balancers?? Possibly? Unless you guys can think of why there is a man with a hammer under there?

Thanks in advance..

[immortality]

can you be more descriptive ofthe knock (i.e. sharp metalic or dull thud?) are you positive the knock is coming from the front of the engine? you can check the serpentine belt tension on the tensioner pulley, it has a wear indicator to show how much the belt has stretched. you can do a quick check on the harmonic ballancer, remove the serpentine belt and see if there is movement by manipulating it by hand. also check the rubber for cracking and degredation.

some other things to check, oil level/condition, when was the last oil/filter change? what grade oil do you use? what is the engine mileage/condition

what transmision you running?

[VrWagz1]

If its just noisy lifter noise then change your oil and put somthing thicker in, or in my old fagna i used some magnetic lucas additive to the oil. Was just some thick runny stuff, but it quietened it down on cold starts.

[Brin]

No its not lifter noise..

It's just kinda like a little rattle.. three of four knocks

and immortality, i havent done it yet but if there is movement by manipulating it by hand, what does that indicate? rubber is fine no cracks etc.

last oil and filter change in october, always used the best oil. engine is a vr v6 just put in there about 5 months back. engine is in top condition I'm pretty sure it had no more than 200 on on the clock but has been looked after. running a vp tranny.

[vn calais manual]

theres movement on your balancer? its ****ed then lol, thats what it indicates . you need a new balancer.

[immortality]

theres movement on your balancer? its ****ed then lol, thats what it indicates . you need a new balancer.

pretty much, if you can move it by hand it's stuffed (unless your 6 Ft 6 and weight like 120kg all ripling muscle

best oil??? thats fairly vague. do you remember what the specifics?