I recently bought a 1994 dodge dakota with the 3.9l v6 with the 5 spd trans anyways it have 223,xxx kms on it (138,xxx miles) anyways it runs fine and im pleased with it but it has the infamous ticking noise it seems to be comming from the rear cylinder on the driver side (when looking at the motor from the front of the truck) the vibrations just sound off on it and it doesnt get louder when i rev it up altho it will backfire at 3000rpms now ive read around on the internet and i have heard of everything from it becuse the PCM on it to the timing chain needing replacing, it really sounds as if its a loose lifter but i dont know so im needing help in finding out what it is becuse ive came across alot of scenarios

 

I'm guessing its the timing chain. its a common problem with them.

 

hmm possibly but it really seems to be comming from the rear of the engine hmm

 

I would go get a machanics stethiscope(sp?) and pin point the noise. I thought I was about to blow a rod bearing outta my 99. then with the scope I located it to the tranny and it was the flywheel was rubbing up against the cover.

 

To me it sounds like a lifter. I would pull the valve cover and see if a valve adjustment fixes it. I know that you said it doesn't get louder but doesthe tickingspeed up as the RPM's go up? If your valves are that far out of adjustment then you would definitely be getting backfires. Just get your torque and/or clearance specs for it and it should only take an hour tops for the job.

 

It is your oil pump shaft that is causing the ticking noise due to a worn out bushing. I also have a strong running 94 Dakota. I was also under the impression that it was either the timing chain or a lifter/rocker. Went to a local precision tune and had them check it out. They pulled up a TSM on the problem, explaining the issue. Good news they said it will not cause no problems to the engine. (I'm not sure about that one) The bad news they said there is no replacement part (bushing). I can't believe there is no aftermarket part. I have been talking to a few buddies about this and theyrecommended me to a couple of other people/shops they deal with from time to time. So I am still researching, will let you know. If you find out anything pass the word.

 

thanks for the responses guys and no the ticking speed does not go up wit the rpms

 

well im writing a follow up if anyone cares lol it turned out to be needing a new timing chain and waterpump well they were in there so got that all done and the truck runs mint so im pleased