Rattling at Idle

[lorraine]

We have a 2003 T4 diesel Transporter which has developed a bad rattling noise when the engine is below 900 rpm. When is above 900 it purrs along, but as soon as the foot is off the accelerator the terrible rattling starts again.
The rattle is coming from the engine somwhere, thought it might have been the engine tray rattling, so took it off and the noise is still there.
Have started the engine while the van is up on the ramps and listened while underneath, and find thatthe rattle is coming from the crankshaft pulley area. Could it be the harmonic balancer?

Thanks, John

[IN2VWS]

Sounds like you have a rattle in the idler puller.

[lorraine]

Thanks for you fast reply IN2VWS. I shall certainly check that out.

Regards, John

[pugwash]

Mines a lot older model but has a similar noise at idle, its the heat shield on the engine pipe come loose ,am considering a new system so am putting up with it at present

[Cousin]

Had this same problem on an earlier Transporter
Replaced all the heat sheilds with exhaust wrap
That was a waste, turned out to be a loose catalytic converter core
Drove me nuts til we found it
Problem solved when the cat was replaced


M