T4 Diesel engine rattle at low revs

[farmsyncro]

Mornin' all,

Our 2.5 TDI ACV diesel has developed a rattle at low revs. It can be heard when ever you start off at below 1300 rpm. Above this is goes away and is normal smooth (I cant say quiet) diesel. I have isolated it to around the harmonic balancer although that seems tight. Also the serpentine belt tensioner is not the cause.
Any ideas out there?

Also has anyone ever replaced the sliding door nests/receptacles? We have a rattly door & I believe it is these parts that are worn. There is a nylon part that supports the tapered hole that you can see when the door is open. If anyone has a source or part number for this it would be great.

Any pointers for a good decat pipe?

Thanks,

FarmSyncro

[Umai Naa!!]

You can kinda run them without the balancer on, but it's a bit dicey, as the bolt that holds the balancer on, also secures the crank gear. The bolt also happens to be too long to use without the balancer. Plus, seperating them can sometimes be a pain. If you could get it to that point, you'd be able to start it and idle it briefly.

De-cat? With my professional's hat on, and sepeaking legally, I'd replace the existing one with another if it's blocked or collapsed (common), and run the correct engine oil. Seen and heard of waaay too many people running old school 20W50 mineral oil in them. Not good for the cat, and seems to aid in oil/carbon sludge in the intake and EGR.

[Seano]

Cost me not very much to have my cat in the ACV replaced when it collapsed...about $150-$180. Hardly worth the de-cat to be honest.