2005 Caravan 3.3 V6 Engine noise

[restless_entity]

I have a weird noise from the engine of my Caravan. It's a 3.3 V6 with only 70'000 km's. At idle you can hear a distinct erratic light rattle/cracking sound. I have taken it to my local Dodge dealer & they road tested it and without any delay they told me that the noise is the normal operation of the lifters, apparently they have heard a few cases of this ?? The noise is loudest if you listen by the right front wheel. I have removed the Auxiliary belt to see if it was a noisy water pump....etc but the noise was still there. It's weird that my 2001 3.3 Caravan did not make a sound & I have not heard it from other Caravans ?? Are Dodge trying to palm me off or has anybody heard of this type of complaint ? Thanks

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[2002ACRNEON]

I too have a 2005 Caravan with the 3.3 V-6. Mine is at 78,000 miles with a similar odd sound from the passenger side of the engine. Lifter noise should be coming from the middle of the engine not the drive belt side in my opinion. I know I have a belt and/or pullly bearing issue.

But if you have removed the serpentine belt then no accessory (water pump, power steering pump, A/C, alternator) or pulley (tensioner/idler) would be turning.

I've been thinking if my noise source could be the timing chain itself.

[rabbler]

My van makes the same noise. I think there is some slop in the timing chain and that is whats causing the noise. I was planning on replacing it this summer but had too many other projects and didn't get around to it. I heard another van in a parking lot the other day make the same noise.

[restless_entity]

I feel a little better knowing that it's not just mine making the noise !!

I suppose the guys at Dodge might be telling the truth when they say it's lifters making the noise. They did tell me that not every one makes the noise ?

When I removed the Aux belt I tried to locate the noise with a stethoscope but no matter where I put it I could not pinpoint the noise, but I must admit I did not place it on the cylinder head because the noise sounded low down.
But it does sound exactly like a failing water pump or AC compressor ??

I'll keep an eye on it & if it gets any worse then I guess my power train warranty will come in useful.

[Kevioll]

Mine does the same thing and has since i bought it with 90k, now has 138k has not gotten any worse. It does sound like a timing chain rattle