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aLLsHAVED
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5/20/2007
22:05:08

Subject: 3.9 engine rattle
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I've gone through many posts and didn't find any that replicate my problem: when accelerating, a "paint can" type rattle is heard coming from the engine. I replaced the timing chain and still have the problem. I think that is is heat related because I didn't notice it during the winter. I live in AZ and since the heat started, so did the problem.

Also, I hear other cars with the same noise. It kind of sounds like when you take off in a high gear and the engine wants to stall.

Any help would be appreciated...

2001 Dodge Dakota CC 2WD 3.9L 5spd



Dan M
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5/21/2007
07:24:25

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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The first two things that come to mind are timing chain and catalytic converter.

how many miles? Is it a ticking or rattling? Perhaps it's the lifters? oil sludge?

- Dan M



Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2007
08:18:03

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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It's pinging. Try a higher octane gas and see if it's reduced or gone. Then try to find the source (advanced timing, carbon buildup, sensor failures).



daddio
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5/21/2007
10:26:16

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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i agree with Bob.



me
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5/22/2007
00:26:41

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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colder plugs!
why pay more at the pump



aLLsHAVED
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5/22/2007
01:18:06

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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I just hit 90,000 miles, and i've almost always used 89 octane gas. I tried octane boosters but no help and I already have a new timing chain and water pump.

The noise is like when you shake a paint can and the metal ball rattles inside. Another example would be to hold a metal cooking pot with a lid and shake it so that the lid rattles; thats what it sounds like to me.

How do I check/correct for "carbon buildup"?

Will changing the spark plugs help?

Thanks for all the help...



Flippy
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5/22/2007
02:27:03

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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sounds like your catalytic converter! almost sounds like marbles in a can right? i too had the same problem once i replaced my exhaust system the problem was gone.



boomer
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5/22/2007
06:23:02

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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I agree with flippy, more than likely the cat is clogged up and the insides are ratteling. using one range colder spark plugs helps too. dont forget about the o2 sensors. cats can get cooked pretty fast when you're running too rich and not burning it all.



Bob Lincoln
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5/22/2007
07:55:09

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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"I think that is is heat related because I didn't notice it during the winter. I live in AZ and since the heat started, so did the problem." Not the catcon - it's pinging.



boomer
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5/22/2007
12:50:29

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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hey bob, I think you already gave everyone your opinion. why do you have to go step on peoples toes when someone else has somethin to say? but you're right, it probably is pinging but if the cat is plugged it's still going to make a paint-can noise.



daddio
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5/22/2007
13:34:01

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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1 range colder spark plug than stock range can help with pinging. also, a 180 or 185 t-stat.

you can clean the combustion chamber carbon buildup with either Seafoam or GM Top Engine cleaner or water if you're careful.

vacuum leak/s, lean running engine can also cause pinging.

and yes it is heat related. the hotter the engine/combustion chambers are the more likely chance that it will ping.



Curly
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2007
15:19:11

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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with 90 thous on it and it seems to be heat related
i have to ask
has the cooling system after been flushed
and new coolant mix added?
and a new t-stat would help too

i'm not a big fan of the colder t-stat
gave me nothing but trouble

also when was the last tune up?
good plugs cap rotor and wires?




aLLsHAVED
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5/24/2007
23:33:41

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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Good news, I filled up with premium 91 octane, only cost me $50, and I haven't heard the noise! I've only driven it today, but hopefully I won't hear it anymore.

I think I still have to change the cat because when I rev the engine to a high rpm it goes down slowly.

I bought the truck in August of last year and did a full tune up when I got it. I haven't "flushed" the cooling system, only replaced the orange antifreeze that spilled when I changed the water pump.

Do any of you think the knock sensor could be the problem?

Thanks, you've all been a big help...





aLLsHAVED
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5/24/2007
23:38:20

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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I forgot to metion, I also got a new thermostat, but I'm not sure what temp it is, it's probably close to stock. Its the one the clerk at Cheker Auto handed me



Bob Lincoln
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5/25/2007
08:21:31

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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There's no knock sensor that I'm aware of. I think a full tuneup with the correct plugs, or one range colder, will help. And if the engine runs on the warm side, that will aggravate it. And it appears to be pinging, not the catcon. It's normal for the engine to rev down slowly on manual transmissions. The ECM holds the revs up so that you can shift without a large RPM drop.



daddio
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5/25/2007
10:42:10

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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no knock sensor. i believe they were only used on the 4.7 HO's. unless you like buying 91 octane, you need to find the problem.

do you have any oil consumption? it could be a leaky plenum. did your "full" tune up include O2 sensor? have you checked for any codes?



aLLsHAVED
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5/25/2007
23:57:30

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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As soon as my tank goes low I'll probably change the plugs with a range colder ones. I'll post any updates, thanks 4 the help.



dakotaTC
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5/31/2007
21:30:26

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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You make no mention of doing the idler fix when the timing chain was replaced.
If you didn't include the idler sprocket, you're likely hearing your timing chain hitting the housing again. My neighbor is a certified Dodge
technician and is familiar with this.
I drive a 98 3.9L 5spd w/275000 miles.
And an original chain with the tapping sound just starting.

Tim

Mike Stager
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2007
23:00:14

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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could very well be the clutch on the AC going out. Mine just finally froze up after 'tinging' for the last couple of months.



daddio
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6/01/2007
09:38:23

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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guys, i don't think it's his timing chain or his a/c comp. if you read his 3rd to last post he says he put 91 octane and the noise stopped. that would indicate pinging.



aLLsHAVED
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6/27/2007
02:10:28

RE: 3.9 engine rattle
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I did change the sprocket and tensionor/guide when I did the timing chain, I don't think it's my a/c either. Anyways, I haven't changed the plugs yet. I filled up with 91 octane (only cost me 55 bucks!) and I keep on filling up with about $28-$35 every time I get down to 1/4 on fuel gauge.

You guys can all call me crazy, but I feel that my gas tank stays fuller longer with 91 octane. I've been using the a/c normal (I live in AZ where 113 degrees F is the normal) and I fill up about every 9-12 days, before it was about every 8-10.

Eventually I would like to know what is makeing the noise and fix it, but for now, filling up with 91 octane is not that bad...



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