Rattle from engine in 1990 Grand Caravan 3.3L V6

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

 

Stretched/loose timing chain perhaps?

 

Serpentine belt tensioner chattering/failing?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

- 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

 

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.

 

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)?