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03 Dodge caravan 3.8L tapping noise

bbuss2
User | Posts: 220 | Joined: 06/11

Posted: 08/04/12
11:38 AM

03 Caravan with tapping noise that sounds like valve tap or ratle noise
The van has about 150K on it
I had the front valve cover off and I don't think it's a valve tap
I'm thinking could it be the timing chain? Or does it have a belt?
My expertise is transmission, not general repair

Bob

waynep71222
Guru | Posts: 825 | Joined: 03/12

Posted: 08/04/12
08:34 PM

some of the earlier motors had rocker arms that needed longer rocker arm bolts and deeper drill and tapping..

snap the rocker arm pedestal right off.. causing usually a dead cylinder...

what does the damper look like... i have run into a few that the rubber failed..

here is an article on rebuilding them .. i always find them enlightening.. i have not read this one..

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Content/Site302/Articles/03_01_2010/7203433L38Lpdf_00000029832.pdf

exhaust leak from a cracked exhaust manifold..

loose spark plug..