I have a 1998 Dodge Caravan v6 3.0 with 83,000 miles. It just started making a banging/rattling noise when it starts up and continues to rattle while idling, sometimes while driving, but stops when you hit the gas. It seems to be coming from the center rear of the engine. We have already ruled out the catalytic converter. Any other ideas?

 

How's the oil?

 

The oil is fine, never had a leak, regularly changed, etc. We just got back from a 2,000 mile trip and never ran low.

 

Is it "pinging?" Sounds like marbles rattling around? Try putting premium
gas in the van and see if it goes away. If it does, then your ignition timing is off.

I hope it's not the "death rattle," i.e., rod knock due to worn rod bearings
- need engine overhaul.

You need to find out exactly where the noise is coming from. Use a
stethoscope in the engine compartment to isolate.