I have a 96 dakota v6. When Idling it makes a very soft rattling noise. Im not sure if it is the timing chain or the lifters or what. It doens't affect the performance of the truck at all and I dont hear it any other time besides at idle. Anyone have any ideas how to fix this?

 

mine does that too, my rattle is from the new pcv valve theres a bead inside of it that moves around when air is getting circulated through, other than that i hear something like that right around where the timing chain is and being its not out of timing im not that worried about it.

 

Its a worn timing chain. It needs to be replaced.

 

Is it really possible for a timing chain to wear out and stretch to the point of hitting the cover? Ive never had one to wear out that bad and didn't know if it was true or not.

 

Seems to be more common on the 3.9 for whatever reason, my buddies 3.9 has a timing chain rattle.

 

real common for the 3.9 chain to start rattling fairly loud at 90-100k miles. put the double roller cloyes brand from napa back in and it will be quit as a mouse. replace waterpump, short elbow hose, thermostat and front timing cover seal while you got it apart

 

Yep, did mine when I did the cover seal and the noise is gone now. The old chain was pretty darn loose.

 

Thannks. I think I'll replace it.

 

yup, mine has it too. whats odd is it doesnt do it right when you start it up, only after its warmed up a bit does it do it...

 

When I bought my truck the chain was knocking up against the cover. I got the chain and water pump replaced at the same time. Mine was knocking no matter how cold or hot it was. If it doesn't sound like a motor knock/tick, it's probably the timing chain.