VN V6 Loud Clunk N Rattle

[rowenb]

This is not in a fourby but alot of blokes are running the ol buik. Right when my brother started his car for me to listen to this knock it didn't sound like a bearing, when turning over there was a loud clang, rattle etc then a then it settled to a loud knock (did not sound like a bearing). Swear it sounds like the starter and ring gear having a fight with hammers. Anyone got any ideas?

[turbo gu]

cracked flex plate.

Was VERY common on them

[rowenb]

cracked flex plate.

Was VERY common on them

Thanks mate, need to work out if its worth separating the motor and gear box or sell it as a paper weight.

[rusty bus]

Harmonic balancer

[chunks]

Yeh defintely look at the harmonic balancer, they like to self destruct.

[Josh n Kat]

Yeah good way to diagnose a harmonic balancer is to take the serpentine belt off and start the car.
if the noise changes or goes away you know it's something that runs off the belt.

IIRC the flex plates would usually make more noise when the engine was in drive and stationary. So start the engine, put it in gear with your foot on the brake and load the engine up a little.

[rowenb]

Turned out to be the starter, the gear wasn't retracting properly and catching. Had a spare in the shed so happy days!

[Josh n Kat]

excellent! good to hear it was an easy fix