Loud knocking noise coming from idler pulleys? Possible tear in crankshaft 98 VT V6

[MattyZero]

Hey guys just posting here asking for some help, the other day I started my VT up only to hear this terrible knocking noise coming from the engine, I opened the bonnet and the noise is deffinatley coming from the front of the engine and sounds like it could be an idler pulley but I noticed this tear that I hadnt seen before in the crankshaft could this be the problem? and how much would it cost to buy this part and would it be easier enough for me to replace myself? I have limited knowledge of engineering but I know enough to get by. The noise goes away when I accelerate but when I slow down it returns.

Here is the tear in question.

Please help guys I need this car for work and my other car is way to unreliable at the moment.

 

[Sabbath']

Balancer needs replacement. You'll need a balancer puller to replace it.

 

[MattyZero]

Alright ta mate, how much should a mechanic charge to do this?? if I could source the part even to make it a bit cheaper.

 

[Tasmaniak]

The actual part name you are looking for is "Harmonic Balancer" get it sorted SOON before you do damage.

 

[Immortality]

You can get a replacement balancer from MACE $145 + postage

VS - VY V6 & L67 COMMODORE BALANCERS - Mace Engineering Group

Than grab a balancer puller from supercheap $25 approx,

Than have a look in the howto section for a guide on how to replace a harmonic balancer on a v6 engine

Cheers

 

[Tasmaniak]

if doing it yourself, either take a picture or make sure there is still a diagram of the belt path under the hood you can follow

 

[accentstencil]

About $100 would be a fair price for labour but who knows. It would take about an hour if you were doing it for the first time, quicker if your were a mechanic.
If you are at all mechanically minded, get a puller and a workshop manual and do it yourself, it is not that difficult once you get the bolt off the crankshaft that is.

 

[MattyZero]

Thanks guys youve been alot of help, ill probably go the do-it-myself route, do you reckon picking up a VY balancer at the wreckers would be a good idea? or would it just be a waste because it would wear out soon. And im not doing any damage as im not driving it while its like this.

 

[Tasmaniak]

Look you could pick up a VY no problem but it's always better to replace old with new in this instance. Guess it depends on how tight money is. VY one might go for years!

 

[MattyZero]

Money is tight atm ill probably go after a VY one at the wreckers. Thanks for your help guys.