Rattle from engine in 1990 Grand Caravan 3.3L V6

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by newsgroups, Dec 22, 2004.

  1. newsgroups

    newsgroups Guest

    I've got a 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.3L V6 engine. It has
    approximately 130,000 miles on it. There is a rattling noise coming
    from the engine, that appears to only happen at idle. Interestingly
    enough, the noise doesn't appear to happen when the car is very cold
    (ie <30°F or so) but will occur when the car runs for a little while
    and warms up. It happens from a cold engine in the summer when it is
    warmer.
    There's no noticeable problems other than the noise, but I figure, that
    noise probably should not be there, so I'm wondering if anyone knows
    what it is :)

    Thanks,
    Eric Kotz
     
    newsgroups, Dec 22, 2004
    #1
  2. Stretched/loose timing chain perhaps?
     
    James C. Reeves, Dec 22, 2004
    #2
  3. newsgroups

    RWM Guest

    Serpentine belt tensioner chattering/failing?
     
    RWM, Dec 22, 2004
    #3
  4. newsgroups

    newsgroups Guest

    That was sort of my suspicion too - that it was the timing chain.

    I know on some engines, slippage of the timing belt/chain can result in
    catastrophic failure - is this one of those engines? Or when the
    timing chain finally does jump/break, can I just put a new one on and
    everything else will be fine? Is there any real problem with just
    running it until the Timing Chain jumps/breaks, then replacing it?

    Additionally, how hard is it to change the Timing Chain on this engine?
    Thanks,
    Eric Kotz
     
    newsgroups, Dec 25, 2004
    #4
  5. newsgroups

    ncs Guest

    It could very well be the timing chain. Had the same noise with my 93 3.3
    Changed the chain and it was quiet. I was really surprised how stretched it
    was. It's an involved process changing it (at least for me). Not
    difficult, but you need to remove the passenger side engine mount, move the
    a/c compressor out of the way, support the motor. I changed my oil pan
    gasket at the same time so I had the pan off also. If you pull the pan,
    careful to support the engine in such a way that you can still rotate the
    crank to line up the marks on the sprockets. The toughest part for me was
    getting the new crank sprocket on (I got a set, includes the sprockets and
    chain). You can't pound it on, you need to heat it up and then it slides
    right on. But not too hot. good luck
    Nick
     
    ncs, Dec 25, 2004
    #5
  6. newsgroups

    newsgroups Guest

    reduce oven to 325.
    Fill the pie with stew, place top crust and with a fork, seal the crusts together
    then poke holes in top.
    Return to oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until pie crust is golden brown.



    Sudden Infant Death Soup

    SIDS: delicious in winter, comparable to old fashioned Beef and Vegetable Soup.
    Its free, you can sell the crib, baby clothes, toys, stroller... and so easy to
    procure if such a lucky find is at hand (just pick him up from the crib and
    he?s good to go)!

    SIDS victim, cleaned
    ½ cup cooking oil
    Carrots
    onions
    broccoli
    whole cabbage
    fresh green beans
    potato
    turnip
    celery
    tomato
    ½ stick butter
    1 cup cooked pasta (macaroni, shells, etc.)

    Remove as much meat as possible, cube, and brown in hot oil.
    Add a little water, season, then add the carcass.
    Simmer for half an hour keeping the stock thick.
    Remove the carcass and add the vegetables slowly to the stock,
    so that it remains boiling the whole time.
    Cover the pot and simmer till vegetables are tender
    (2 hours approximately).
    Continue seasoning to taste.
    Before serving, add butter and pasta,
    serve piping with hot bread and butter.



    Offspring Rolls

    Similar to Vietnamese style fried rolls, they have lots of meat
    (of course this can consist of chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp).
    Who can resist this classic appetizer; or light lunch served with
     
    newsgroups, Dec 25, 2004
    #6
  7. newsgroups

    ncs Guest

    - 45 minutes.



    Umbilical Cordon Bleu

    Nothing is so beautiful as the bond between mother and child,
    so why not consume it?
    Children or chicken breasts will work wonderfully also.

    4 whole umbilical chords (or baby breasts, or chicken breasts)
    4 thin slices of smoked ham, and Gruyere cheese
    Flour
    eggwash (milk and eggs)
    seasoned bread crumbs
    1 onion
    minced
    salt
    pepper
    butter
    olive oil

    Pound the breasts flat (parboil first if using umbilical
    cords so they won?t be tough).
    Place a slice of ham and cheese on each, along with some minced onion
    then fold in half, trimming neatly.
    Dredge in flour, eggwash, then seasoned breadcrumbs;
    allow to sit for a few minutes.
    Sauté in butter and olive oil until golden brown,
    about 6 minutes on each side.



    Shish Kababes

    As old as the hills, this technique has employed seafood, beef, pork, lamb,
    poultry, and vegetables; just about anything can be grilled, and young humans
    are no exception!

    High quality marinade (Teriyaki and garlic perhaps)
    1 inch cubes of tender meat, preferably from the nursery
    Onions
    bell peppers
    Wooden or metal skewers

    Mar
     
    ncs, Dec 26, 2004
    #7
  8. newsgroups

    j.lef Guest

    Erik:

    Do you hear the noise, when you are inside the van, or just
    when near the engine compartment?
    Also, you describe a rattle. Does it by any chance sound more like, how
    would I describe it?, like a loose utility pole wire, hitting a puddle of
    water, that causes sparks. I am only talking about the sound. Sort of like a
    hand crank electrical generator? If so , let me know.
     
    j.lef, Dec 29, 2004
    #8
  9. newsgroups

    newsgroups Guest

    I realize this is not a very good description, but it sounds more like
    a semi-random rattling noise, almost like a "clacking" sound. If
    anyone really wants to know, I could record a sound file of it. It
    doesn't really sound like a buzzing from a vibration.
    Also, assuming this is the timing chain, what will happen if I ignore
    it? I realize the chain will ultimately break/jump, but when that
    happens, am I risking any other engine damage on this engine (valves,
    etc)?
     
    newsgroups, Dec 30, 2004
    #9
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