Loud rattle noise from motor

[Azp]

Hey guys.

My series 2 V6 suddenly started making a loud rattle/vibration type noise from the motor. At first I thought it was coming from the tensioner pulley bearing because there was a bit of play in it. I replaced it but the noise is still there so must be something more serious.

The noise only exists under about 1100 rpm. Above this there's no noise and the engine doesn't seem to have lost power although I haven't given it too much, just limped it home.

Does anyone know what could be causing this? Maybe something to do with the timing chain? I've uploaded a sound file recording I took of it today in a zip file (sorry for the weird format, I know it works on real player though, not sure what else). At 12 seconds into the recording I lifted the revs up to where the rattle stopped for about 3 seconds then brought it back down so you can hear the difference.

Any help is very much appreciated.

Cheers.

[greenfoam]

I can't hear the file but it'll be the harmonic balancer, no big deal, the cars probably not many ks old and just wore out the original one (about 200,000 ks) look around the back of the balancer you will see bit's of rubber hanging out

[Eliminator]

reef on the harmonic and if theres any movement replace it.

[Azp]

Thanks a lot guys, turns out there's a big chunk of rubber missing from the harmonic balancer so I'll try replace it myself. And you're right, there's about 250 ks on the clock.

[Eliminator]

grab a larger breaker bar and socket, then attach it to the bolt and rest the handle of the breaker bar on the ground (must be solid ground, and the breaker bar must be leaning to the left and not the right) crank the motor once and it will crack the bolt.. try to pull the harmonic off by hand, half of them come off easily, the other half will need a large harmonic puller which you can borrow or buy from supercheap (make sure its a large claw type)

when doing the bolt back up use a little loctite, and when doing the bolt up reef on the the serpentine belt while tightening the bolt to get it a little tighter than just trying to do it up until the harmonic spins (there a low comp motor)

[Azp]

Lol I don't know what supercheap's are like in Aus but walked into my local one here in NZ and asked at the parts counter if they sell harmonic balancers. The guy's eyes just glazed over, which seems to happen there every time I ask for a part that isn't brake pads or an oil filter. After a detailed explanation (which involved me showing them the harmonic balancer puller which they sell) neither of the guys behind the counter knew what is was nor could they order any in. :S

So went to repco and within 20 seconds got a price on one, a whopping $299. Could get a new motor for that. Looks like they're running a bit of a monopoly over here. Any Aucklanders know if there's anyone that sells them for a reasonable price. From some of the threads in JC I've been reading it seems the usual price in Aus is between $80-$150. Might see how cheap I can get one at a wreckers.

[Eliminator]

mate thats a rip off, call up a shop over in aus or even a wrecker and get it sent over for cheaper than that!

[DavoVP]

I paid 230 for mine from autobahrn at 7pm one friday night, needed it quickly.

[Pub247]

v6 balancers are expensive 200-300 is not uncommon about $150 is trade at bursons if you ask for it. V8 and holden 6's are very cheap comparitively 60-100
Though i cant hear the file very well as my speakers are stuffed i'd say it more than likely timing chain tensioner when a balancer goes usually your able to spin the outer hemisphere as it has seperated theres a stop on it and it makes a loud banging noise when motors running. Worst case scenario is a spun cam bearing or balance shaft bearing

[JessM]

Hi guys,

Turns out I am having the same problem yet I do not have the money to get the problem fixed at this stage.

Are there any problems to be had from driving the vehicle whilst this is occurring? Rattle stops once car reaches a reasonable traveling speed, say 50km/h +.

My vehicle is a 05 VZ wagon but rather than writing a new thread I decided to post in this one seeing it was the same problem.

[rambunctious]

Hi guys,

Turns out I am having the same problem yet I do not have the money to get the problem fixed at this stage.

Are there any problems to be had from driving the vehicle whilst this is occurring? Rattle stops once car reaches a reasonable traveling speed, say 50km/h +.

My vehicle is a 05 VZ wagon but rather than writing a new thread I decided to post in this one seeing it was the same problem.

The balancer will eventually come off and most likely do more damage to other components.

[ozdash]

Hi guys,

Turns out I am having the same problem yet I do not have the money to get the problem fixed at this stage.

Are there any problems to be had from driving the vehicle whilst this is occurring? Rattle stops once car reaches a reasonable traveling speed, say 50km/h +.

My vehicle is a 05 VZ wagon but rather than writing a new thread I decided to post in this one seeing it was the same problem.

The damage to the whole bottom end rotating assembly would be my reason for not running it matey,
Let alone it coming off and taking the front of the motor with it !!!!