I've got a 99 Dakota that has been making a strange 'knocking' noise lately. When you start it up it sounds like it is coming from the passenger side. Usually after I back down the driveway and take off it goes away but yesterday it was terrible as I was driving down the road. Then all of a sudden it would stop. I would only do it when you give it gas not at idle. I checked the oil, that is ok. I have no clue what it could be. Some input or ideas would be great!

 

it sounds like you have piston slap. does it stop once your motor is warmed up?

 

yes, with the exception to yesterday, it stops once warmed up. Piston slap. That doesn't sound good [:@]

 

What exactly is a piston slap?? I would like to get this fixed!! Is it a serious problem?

 

check oil?