Timing chain noise?

[asamek]

Well, suddenly there's a new noise coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment. At first I thought it was an accessory or pulley, but a fellow at the shop said it was internal engine noise - probably the timing chain. He didn't seem to think it was a big deal.

On the other hand, I'm kinda paranoid. It hasn't been there before - the motor was always pretty quiet (3.3L) - now it's got a fairly loud whirring clatter that does sound like a chain "making the rounds". The van runs and performs as well as it ever has.

What could have caused this noise to suddenly appear like this? Is it really no big deal, or is this a signal for a big problem?

Any thoughts will be appreciated!

 

[Astro14]

Don't know how the 3.3 is put together, but generally, timing chain noise starts when the tensioner starts to go...

You don't say how many miles, but our 97 Chrysler T&C was running great, no noise at 186K when we gave it away...hard to believe an '06 is already making noise...

 

[qdeezie]

If the timing chain has a tensioner, then maybe the tensioner is starting to go bad and create slap. And yes, you should address it. In my opinion, any engine noise is bad. No matter how minor anyone else seems to think it may be.

 

[JHZR2]

+1 How is your oil?

 

[JTK]

I don't think there's any tensioner given this a cam-in-block, pushrod V6.

I still wouldn't rule out all the serp belt driven elements and would troubleshoot that further. Pull the belt and spin everything by hand for instance.

How many miles are on this 3.3L?

Joel

 

[Virtuoso]

Originally Posted By: JTK
I still wouldn't rule out all the serp belt driven elements and would troubleshoot that further. Pull the belt and spin everything by hand for instance.


+1!

Don't be afraid to run the engine without that belt and check for noises - but only do it for a VERY short bit, as your water pump may be driven from this belt. But if it's still making noise without it, you know it's internal vs. external.

 

[asamek]

Thanks guys! Oil is new - 1000 miles on a fill of Quaker State conventional.

86,300 miles.

 

[asamek]

Hmm - I suppose it could also be the water pump. Not having any other symptoms, but the sound would be consistent...

 

[eoghan]

I have an 2002 Grand Caravan that also has the same 3.3L engine.

There is NO belt in the 3.3L it is a chain and gear system.

Mine has been making the same noise since 77,000 miles and it now has 150,000+ on it!!!!

I plan on having it replaced someday....

 

[eoghan]

When I have mine replaced I do plan on replacing the water pump the complete timing chain and gear set and also the oil seals.

Might as well do it all since you are already there with the engine torn down to that point.

It would be real dumb not too since as soon as you didn't replace something it would got out real soon after and you would need to tear down the engine again.

 

[asamek]

Good to know - thanks for that eoghan! It gives me some hope that a meltdown isn't just around the corner for our family vacation truckster. New noises worry e!

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Virtuoso
Originally Posted By: JTK
I still wouldn't rule out all the serp belt driven elements and would troubleshoot that further. Pull the belt and spin everything by hand for instance.


+1!

Don't be afraid to run the engine without that belt and check for noises - but only do it for a VERY short bit, as your water pump may be driven from this belt. But if it's still making noise without it, you know it's internal vs. external.


+2
Best place to start.

 

[Tornado Red]

If a timing chain breaks, even on a non-interference engine, it can cause a lot of damage. I would not trust any mechanic who says not to worry about the noise.

 

[asamek]

Well, as it turns out, it's the water pump (unless the timing chain has figured out a way to belch coolant all over the ground)...

The noise was continuing to get louder, but today was the first sign of coolant leeching out the drain hole. Off to the shop in the morning.

Gotta say I'm a good bit relieved...

Thanks to everyone for the input!

 

[Virtuoso]

Sucks when they break, but it's kinda nice when it's something you've been wondering about for a while..

 

[meep]

very good. note... it is not very common for a tchain to fail in a simple cam-in-block pushrod motor. will generally last the life of the rest of the engine.

 

[willix]

This is a sturdy looking chain set I don't see a chain like this breaking under any circinstances. It does look to have a counter balance. There is a cam plate in this set that may have worn & is causing cam walk. If that is the case that counter balance on the big gear may be walking out rubbing on the timing cover.

The oil would have fine aluminum flaking in it & would be noticeable.

CHAIN SET
No tensioner