1997 dodge ram van 1500 3.9 you have a squiky noise coming from the crankcase only when van warms up it is a small noise what could be the problem next to the belt pully it makes noise?

Answer 1

I Hope This Sheds Some Lite On Your ??==================================================== How good are 1997 dodge dAKota trucks and the 3.9 v6 motor?i am buying a 97 Dodge Dakota v6 3.9 motor with 155,000 miles on it. i was wondering if they are a good truck and motor. there is a small tapping in the motor but i have heard this tapping in alot ofdodge vehicles and it does seem common. also it is 2 wheel drive and wondering if they still go ok ij the snow...any feed back would be aprreciated thanks Best Answer - Chosen by AskerI not only work on Dakotas at a dealer, I own a 98 2 wheel drive with the 3.9L, 5 speed. I love mine and have never had a problem with it.

As for the tapping noise, if it is more like a chatter noise near the front, the timing chain may be lose. Starting in 1998 they placed a chain tensioner on the engine to correct that noise. 97 did not have it. With 155K, it is probably ready for a new chain, if it hasn't been done already. You don't want to jump time with a 3.9 as they are an interference engine, meaning the valves will hit the pistons if it jumps time.

Does the noise go away if you give it just a little gas? If so, listen for the chain.

Like others said, it could also be one or more lifters. To replace those the intake manifold, valve covers and rockers must be removed.

You can also look into the Valve Cover on the left side by removing the oil cap and see if it is sludged up at all. If so, you could also not be getting enough oil to the top end, causing your tapping noise. 3.9's are a noisy engine, but a solid tap may not be normal. Hard to say without actually hearing the tapping.

I live in the Northwest and my Dakota handles well in the snow with chains. On the freeway I get about 23 mpg, but since I drive a very short distance to work, around town is much lower. That's my fault, though, as I drive it such short distances.

EDITED TO ADD: Something I forgot to mention. I've had a number of 3.9Ls come in making more of a ticking noise that they owner thought was a tap. It was from an exhaust manifold bolt shearing off and since there is no gasket between the manifold and head, it will leak at that port. Check them also and make sure they are tight and not broken.