hello, 3.0 litre V6.. distinct rattle mostly at idle. However not always present. The best I can tell it is lower but I dont think it is in the crank anywhere. it almost sounds external. but very difficult to pin point. also rattling can change without reving the engine. very strange and very loud. could it be from crank pulley? or perhaps the other end and something in the flywheel area?

Thanks in advance.

Also tried to inspect flywheel ... removed starter but unsure how to remove the plate covering the flywheel. any help with that would be appreciated as well.

 

The problem could be the water pump, this will cause a noise after the van as been lding for sometme.

 

how can I confirm this? where is it located and how is it removed?

Cheers

 

Do you hear the sound after the engine is warm or engine temp? The water pump is inside the timing cover.

 

Well most of the time no I do not here it once it is warm.. however even when it is warm if I let it sit and idle the noise will start.

 

I am 99% sure its your water pump.

 

Thank you for your feedback I really appreciate it. Is there any way for me to be 100% sure ether before or after removing it?

 

If the noise is coming from inside the timing cover, then the water pump is the most likey the problem.You can try one more thing,Get a bottle of prestone water pump lube and add it to the cooling system. You may need to drain some coolant out, so you can add.

 

I had a closer look today I am 95% sure the noise is from the flywheel area. Between engine and tranny almost for certain. I had the starter off once already but could not see much. Any where I can get a guide on pulling of the inspection cover plate? Looks like engine mount bolts need to be removed but I am not certain... cheers...

 

Is the flexplate the same thing as the flywheel? is that what is confusing me? i am looking for help removing the flywheel cover to inspect the flex plate for cracks .... is it actually the flywheel I am inspecting? ether way how do I remote the cover plate?

Cheers