Engine - Balance Shaft Rattle Sound Explanation

Information IB03-01-S001

Engine/Balance Shaft "Rattle" Sound

ISSUE DATE: FEBRUARY 2003

Affected Vehicles

1997-2000 Isuzu Hombre (TH) Pick-Up models equipped with 4.3L engines.

Service Information

The following information is to be used when diagnosing sound conditions such as an engine "rattle" sound, spark knock, etc. The sound may occur in the 2000-2500 RPM range, under a moderate to heavy load, with a warmed-up engine. This sound may be due to a natural torsional vibration in the cam drive system, loading and unloading of the balance shaft and gear drive assembly. It has been determined that this sound does not present any durability risks to the engine or any of its components. Attempts to solve the sound condition by changing cam drive or balance shaft components may prove unsuccessful. It is imperative that all normal diagnostic techniques be followed to assure that the rattle sound is not spark knock, piston rattle, bearing knock, or some other sound for which repairs should be made.





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